i THE EXPANSION OF VEGETABLE FARMS IN THE MT. PULAG

THE EXPANSION OF VEGETABLE FARMS IN THE
MT. PULAG NATIONAL PARK
LINDA CLAIRE I. PAWID
SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE OPEN UNIVERSITY,
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY, LA TRINIDAD,
BENGUET IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE
MASTER IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
APRIL 2010
i
ABSTRACT
PAWID, LINDA CLAIRE I. April 2010. The Expansion of Vegetable
Farms in the Mt. Pulag National Park. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Marlowe U. Aquino, Ph. D.
This study assessed the expansion of the vegetable farms in the
Mt. Pulag National Park, particularly the influencing factors on the
expansion and how these vegetable farms expanded. It also solicited
recommendations from the key stakeholders on how to address this
pressing concern.
The study used complete qualitative methodology. A case of
Kalanguya farmers was described to analyze the vegetable farm
expansion. This was supported by key informant interviews, focus group
discussions, participant observation and photo-documentation. Pertinent
research data were analyzed and interpreted to address the objectives of
the study.
Results revealed that the Kalanguya vegetable farms started as far
as the 1900s to support their way of life. They practiced the slash and
burn or locally termed “kaingin” (swidden farming system) as initial
agricultural operations which were intensified as a growing livelihood in
the area.
v
The factors influencing the vegetable farm expansion are poverty,
lack of alternative livelihood, cultural activities, migration, increasing
population, no definite area boundaries, and ancestral ownership of the
land. However, it is the ancestral ownership that is being recognized by
the Kalanguyas to be the most influential even with defined government
policies and interventions.
The original area of farms of the families doubles or triples after the
children got married and have their own families. Another mode of
expansion is the migration of farmers from adjacent municipalities and
provinces, after purchasing areas to be operated as new vegetable farms.
In addition, the expansion of vegetable farms is influenced by the
ignorance or low knowledge of laws covering Protected Areas and
National Parks.
Even with the various programs and protection activities of the
DENR, other government agencies and the LGU, expansion continues.
Laxity in implementation of laws and policies is still observed.
Proper information, education and communication strategy of
appropriate policies to local development and the use of the ecological
community analysis and natural resource management support the
conditions and sustainability of the Mt. Pulag National Park.
vi
1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Natural
development.
resources
are
considered
important
aspects
in
They are the basis for socio-cultural, economic,
technological and ecological development especially if these are properly
protected,
conserved,
managed
and
developed
by
people
and
communities.
In the Philippines, several natural resources are under the
protection and management of the government, people and local
communities. These include forests, inland water bodies, landscapes and
seascapes, and even islands. One of the best sites noted is the
landlocked region of the Cordilleras. It is the haven of the world famous
Ifugao Rice Terraces and the site of the second highest mountain in the
Philippines, the Mount Pulag.
Mount Pulag covers approximately 11,500 hectares of public
domain that lies on the north and south spine of the Grand Cordillera
Central Mountain Ranges. It straddles portions of the provinces of
Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Viscaya.
In February 20, 1987, it was proclaimed as National Park by virtue
of Presidential Proclamation No. 75 because of its unique physical and
biological characteristics. The park is situated within five municipalities
2
namely, Kabayan, Buguias, Bokod in Benguet, Kayapa, Nueva Viscaya
and Tinoc, Ifugao. The municipalities are all considered fifth class
municipalities based on their income class (NSO 2005).
The establishment of Mount Pulag as a national park is for the
protection and preservation of its physical landscape including its natural
vegetation, wildlife. It is source of natural water system for households,
irrigation, and hydroelectric power for the communities and interested
nature stakeholders. It is placed as an initial component of protected areas
under the Republic Act. No.7586 or the National Integrated Protected
Areas System (NIPAS) framework.
The Mount Pulag National Park (MPNP) is one of the eighteen sites
identified as an ecosystem and habitat containing high plant diversity
including wild plants and animals which could be enhanced for genetic
diversity protection, propagation and conservation (NBSAP, 1997).
It is also the habitat to 76 bird species, 14 of which are migratory, 9
are endemic to Luzon, and 30 species are endemic to the Philippines.
Several threatened species of mammals are also present in the park
which includes the Philippine Brown Deer, Northern Giant Cloud Rat, and
Long-haired Fruit Bat (Mt. Pulag General Management Plan, 2000).
The Mount Pulag National Park has three types of vegetation: pine
forest in the lowest areas of the park, mossy forest from the upper
3
mountain rainforest as high as 1,500 meters above sea level and
grassland vegetation in small area surrounding the peak (Jensen et al
1994 and Buot and Okitsku 1997).
The Benguet Pine (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon), a very
prominent species not only in the park but also in the entire Cordilleras
occupies the lower slopes of the mountain up to about 2,300 masl, with an
area of 2,047 hectares or a percentage cover of 18% from the total land
area.
The higher elevation is the mossy forest covering 5,822 hectares,
which is dominated by four (4) different species from the families of
Fagaceae, Podocarpaceae,Lauraceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The mossy
forests constitute the greater extent of vegetation in the area covering
almost half of the entire protected area. Ferns, lichens and moss grow
thick on the trunks of trees because of high moisture.
Immediately after the mossy forest is the dwarf bamboo-covered
grassland summit, which has gently rolling landscape. The grassland
entirely covers the summit with approximately 800 hectares or 7% of the
total land area. Meanwhile, the cultivated and residential areas cover 25%
or 2, 877 hectares (IPAP, 1990).
Aside from being the highest peak in Luzon and the second highest
in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag is popularly noted for its unique vegetation
4
that remains unmatched in the whole archipelago.
From a varying altitude of 1,000 to 1,200 up to 2,300 meters above
sea level, the pine tree, Pinus kesiya is the dominant tree. It is interesting
to note that the great extent of pine forest in Mt. Pulag is not actually part
of the original vegetation that once occupied the area (Jacobs 1972). This
flourishing type of vegetation is mainly a result of human activities. When
parts of the original forests are cleared for other uses, bare soils exposed
to full light become favorable for the germination of pine seeds. On some
other occasions, conditions for germination only occur after landslides or
fires (Whitmore, 1984), as cited by Jensen et al (1994). In the case of
Bashoy, the existing pine forests are second growth forest from the
logging operations (1935–1988) of the Benguet Corporation, Incorporated
(BCI).
As a watershed, Mount Pulag supplies the water needs of many
communities and stakeholders for domestic and industrial use, irrigation,
inland aquaculture, and hydroelectric power production in Luzon such as
the Binga, Ambuklao, San Roque and Magat dams.
Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in the area and its
development is strongly influenced by accessibility. Vegetable farms
abound in areas where road networks exist. In 2000, the farm-to-market
road was constructed in Tawangan as an infrastructure project issued to
5
the farmers. The road passes right in the middle of the mossy forest
destroying century-old trees and biodiversity, as well as their habitat.
The farmers came from four ethnic groups, namely; Kalanguyas
and Ibalois as the original farmers, and Karaos and Kankanaeys started
vegetable farming in the early 1990s.
The advent of increasing agricultural operation within the national
park is causing tremendous damage to the whole mountain range
including the protected biodiversity. Based on this, government agencies,
specifically the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), local government units and concerned citizens sought actions to
protect,
conserve,
and
manage
the
area
for
more
sustainable
management.
Prior to this, a comprehensive documentation and assessment of
the agricultural operations must be conducted to help policy and decisionmakers and planners develop programs and activities to mitigate these
operations.
The conduct of study on agricultural operations particularly on
vegetable farming is a practical input to the programs on the protection,
conservation, management and sustainability of the national park in
relation to social, economic, and ecological development.
6
Statement of the Problem
In most areas of the Cordillera mountain range in the Northern
Philippines, residents in the mountainous areas derive much of their
resources and livelihood from the land and natural resources. The forest is
seen as an economic source of most of the basic needs of upland
residents. In an era where the environment is seen as one of the most
important global issues that emphasizes the interconnectedness of man’s
activities and the natural environment, the accountability of societal actors
to the environment is brought to the forefront. The issue of growing
concern for sustainable development stems out from the idea that
resources are finite and that the concern that environmental protection
could be achieved together with economic growth should be enforced by
every nation (Batcagan, 2007).
The Mount Pulag National Park (MPNP) is confronted by several
threats. Foremost is the expansion and encroachment of vegetable farms
into the park within the last decade. Today, the cultivated vegetable area
is approximately 1,785 hectares or 18% of the total land area of the park.
Other threats confronting the park include timber poaching, infrastructure
development, overlapping of tenurial instrumentalities, and legal pluralism.
According to Batcagan (2007), legal pluralism is the presence of several
existing policies covering the management and protection of the park from
7
various government agencies which do not necessarily harmonize to
address the issues and concerns of protection, conservation and
management of the national park.
This observation has brought attention to concerned agencies to
harmonize operation and understand the dynamics of implementation
within a growing concern of vegetable expansion inside the Mt. Pulag
National Park.
The continuous expansion of the vegetable farms endangers the
entire Mount Pulag National Park and actions need to be undertaken to
minimize negative effects which are hard to manage by the stakeholders.
This study aims to assess how these vegetable farms come to
exist inside a protected area covered by the NIPAS Law, particularly a
proclaimed national park.
Specifically, the study aims to answer the following questions:
1. What are the factors influencing the expansion of vegetable farms
in the Mount Pulag National Park?
2. What is the system and process of expansion of vegetable farming
operation of the local people and communities?
3. What are the effects of policies and regulations on the expansion of
vegetable farms in the Mount Pulag National Park?
8
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the influencing factors in the expansion of vegetable
farms in the Mount Pulag National Park.
2. To determine the system and process of expansion of the
vegetable farming operation of the people and communities.
3. To determine the effects of policies and regulations on the
expansion of vegetable farms in the Mt. Pulag National Park.
Importance of the Study
Sustainable
development
and
effective
natural
resource
management are the most important aspects in ecological development.
Specifically, protection, conservation and sustainable management in
relation to community development will be studied using cases of local
people and communities of the Mount Pulag National Park.
Critical status on the extent of damage caused by vegetable
farming and concerns on protection, conservation and management of the
MPNP will be revealed to further understand and develop appropriate
actions for stakeholders to adopt through collective action and
cooperation.
At the same time, this study will increase ecological awareness of
people engaged in natural resource management and other allied fields.
9
Likewise, it will widen appreciation on the value and benefits derived from
the unique ecosystem and similar areas for proper planning and
implementation of programs and activities within a national park.
Furthermore, the research findings will serve as basis for more
action- oriented activities essential for natural resource management, and
the formulation and implementation of rules and regulations on
sustainable management.
In addition, the study is viewed to contribute to community
dynamics and sustainability of emerging communities especially to people
who depend on natural resources for livelihood and cultural practices. It
will also provide appropriate strategies in analyzing community resource
management and processes for government agencies, development
workers, researchers and educators for proper action in the protection,
conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
The study is a new perspective of community analysis integrating
the ideas and elements of community development along side
environment and natural resource management. This analysis will draw
lessons and experiences particularly on the involvement of an indigenous
group that is culturally inclined towards environmental development and
management.
10
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The study focuses on the vegetable farms of Kabayan, Benguet.
Most of these vegetable farms are concentrated in barangays Tawangan,
Ballay and Bashoy. These barangays are accessible by all-weather roads
which also serve as farm-to-market roads for vegetable products. These
barangays comprise approximately 60% of the total land area of the
Mount Pulag National Park, and compose at least 75% of the existing
vegetable farms. The remaining 25% are located in barangay Catlubong
of Buguias, Benguet and municipality of Tinoc, Ifugao.
Out of the four ethnic groups, the Kalanguya is studied because
they are the original settlers in the area. Majority of their living conditions
as well as community histories are associated with the natural landscape
and resources anchored on cultural practices including agricultural
production as their main livelihood.
The Kalanguya has the greatest composition with 77% of the
population inhabiting the National Park. They occupy the inner portions
and the upper slopes particularly in barangays Ballay, Lusod, Tawangan,
Upper Bashoy, Upper Eddet, Impugong and Eheb of Tinoc, Ifugao and
Balete, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.
The case of the Kalanguya is a very classic testimony of community
development as affected by the vegetable farming activities in the area. It
11
presents cases affecting the use of natural resources, the ill-effects of the
farming operations and massive destructions brought about by it. Based
on this, ideas, insights and experiences of the Kalanguya tribe is studied
in the context of community development and natural resource
management.
Conceptual Framework
The declaration of the Mount Pulag National Park has created an
interesting area of discourse in the protection and management of natural
resources. Key players and stakeholders around and within the park
wanted a share of the land for productive operations. This is very evident
with the cultivation of the land into vegetable farms.
Historically, the natural landscape of the area was not disrupted
until there was a need to seek more food and provide alternative livelihood
for its inhabitants. The practice of swidden farming system or ‘slash and
burn’ was noted to have supported the original settlers to survive. This
practice has been contained and managed properly by the people who
depend on the availability of natural resources. This is also shown by the
settlers who depend much on the area for food and source of livelihood.
Figure 1 shows the interrelationships of influencing factors on the
vegetable farm expansion and management at the Mount Pulag National
Park.
12
As years passed, original settlers slowly cleared and tilled lands for
survival and operated them for continuous production. On the other hand,
the entry of migrants caused a trend of new clearing operation and tillage
of more lands not just for household food production but further intensified
them for commercial purposes.
13
Community
Interventions
and
Strategies
Vegetable
Production
Indigenous
and
Local
People
Issues and Concerns
Culture and
Other
Support
Services
Mount Pulag
Vegetable Farms
Expansion and
Management
Improved
System and
Strategies
Sustainable
Protection,
Conservation,
and
Management of
Mount Pulag
National Park
Laws,
Policies and
Regulations
Figure 1. Interrelationships of factors influencing the vegetable farm
expansion and management of Mt. Pulag National Park
13
14
As this radiated to adjacent communities, more and more hectares
are opened leading to the destruction of the park and its surrounding
slopes. The clearing and destruction of the forests resulted to new areas
for vegetable production the communities.
This scenario has triggered concerned agencies especially the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to look at the
dynamics of destruction vis-à-vis the management of the natural
resources within and adjacent areas of the Mount Pulag National Park.
As a result, the DENR and concerned organizations formulated
policies, rules and regulations to protect, conserve and sustainably
manage the Mount Pulag National Park. In view of this, it was perceived to
minimize further destruction of its natural resources including its flora and
fauna and biodiversity in general.
The expanding vegetable farms and encroachment of other people
in the park describes a new dimension of natural resource management
combined with the increasing growth of the people and development of
their community. An analysis of the vegetable farms, its systems, patterns
and process of operation is an interesting area of study.
The study will present and describe the state of the Kalanguya tribe
vegetable farms within the Mount Pulag National Park. Specifically, it will
identify and describe factors influencing the expansion of the vegetable
15
farms and its effects to the whole management of the park. The factors
include the indigenous groups present in the area, approved policies and
laws governing the management of the park or even the operations,
strategies and innovations introduced in the park to properly protect,
conserve and manage the area.
The unique physical and ecological
features are observed to be affected, resulting to the loss of natural habitat
of endangered species and the destruction of biodiversity.
The destruction of the Mount Pulag ecosystem will be detrimental
to the communities within and outside the park because of the natural
benefits it provides such as the water supply serving downstream for
agriculture, inland aquaculture and household consumption and even
hydroelectric power in the six dams of Luzon.
It is agriculture that has affected most of the natural landscape of
the park that needs to be contained and understood. Based on this,
assessment of the extent of damage should be determined in order to
know what specific actions are to be done.
Furthermore, the biodiversity that contributes to combat global
warming should be sustained and protected. The mossy and pine forests
serve as carbon sink for Northern Luzon.
In spite of the importance of Mt. Pulag as a national park to sustain
ecological balance and to provide water, the destruction of its forests to
16
give way to vegetable farms continuous. Government agencies, local
people and communities and other concerned stakeholders fear that if the
destruction persists, the park will be destroyed in the near future.
The assessment of the whole landscape in relation to the different
influencing factors will provide very interesting cases of environmental
protection and management, effective and efficient sustainable resource
management and indigenous community development.
The expansion and continuous encroachment of vegetable farms
into the park will be studied in detail along identified factors studied
through interventions of the government particularly the DENR that is
mandated to address the welfare of the environment and natural
resources of the country, and the local government units.
Overall, the testimonies and insights of Kalanguya tribe will be
analyzed using the perspective of community ecological analysis to show
the dynamics of people, communities, programs, policies and activities
towards development.
At the end, a more sustainable and efficient
community resource management intervention will be done for all key
players and stakeholders to protect and sustainably manage the Mount
Pulag National Park in the future.
17
Operational Definition of Terms
Conservation. It refers to collective actions of stakeholders to
sustain the natural condition of the Mt. Pulag National Park.
Cultural Practices. These are the distinct activities of the indigenous
peoples in the park based on their norms, beliefs and traditions, handed
down from their ancestors to generations.
Culture. It refers to the norms, beliefs and traditions of the
indigenous peoples as a tribe or as a community handed down from older
generations.
Expansion. It refers to the act of encroaching into areas of the
National Park, particularly the strict protection zone, and operating these
areas purposely for vegetable farming. The areas maybe contiguous to old
vegetable farms or these may be new patches within the pine and mossy
forests for operation.
Farmers. It refers to the individuals involved in vegetable farming in
Mt. Pulag.
Indigenous Peoples. These are cultural minority tribes with distinct
cultural practices, recognized by the IPRA Law as owners of lands they
have occupied for generations.
Key Players. These are individuals, communities and organizations
who are involved in the protection, conservation and management of the
18
Mt. Pulag National Park.
Management. It is the overall process of administering all activities
as prescribed by law, rules and regulations governing the Park, geared
towards the sustainable development of the Mt. Pulag National Park.
Natural Resources. This includes land, water, fauna and flora, as
well as minerals and mineral deposits found inside the Mt. Pulag National
Park.
Policies. These are laws, rules and regulations that protect and
promote the sustainability and ecological stability of Mt. Pulag.
Protection. It refers to the collective actions of keeping the National
Park safe from illegal activities that may destroy the natural resources
therein.
Stakeholders.
These
are
individuals,
communities
and
organizations that benefit from the Mt. Pulag National Park natural
resources but at the same time contribute efforts for the sustainability of
these resources.
Sustainable Development. It is protecting nature from negative
impacts of development and human activities and securing the natural
environment to meet the needs of future generations as well as protect the
natural heritage of the indigenous peoples within Mt. Pulag National Park.
19
Vegetable farming. It is the agricultural system of vegetable
production such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, celery, chinese cabbage
and others, particularly in the provinces of Benguet, Mt. Province and
Ifugao.
Vegetable farms. These are areas outside or within the Park being
operated purposely for vegetable production.
20
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Policies Governing Natural Resource Management
The Philippines is signatory to various international commitments
concerning the protection and conservation of the environment and natural
resources together with sustained environmentally sound development
(1992 UNCED, 1985 ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Natural
Resources). Being committed to such agreements the State passed
several laws for sustainable use of the natural resources. One such law is
the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems Act of 1992 (NIPAS)
which as a matter of policy recognizes in its declaration of the policy:
“ profound impact of man’s activities on all
components of the natural environment particularly
the effect of increasing population, resource
exploitation, and industrial advancement and
recognizing the critical importance of protecting
and maintaining the natural biological and physical
diversities of the environment notably in areas with
biologically unique features to sustain human life
and development, as well as plant and animal life,
it is hereby declared the policy of the State to
21
secure for the Filipino people of present and future
generations the perpetual existence of all native
plants and animals through the establishment of a
comprehensive system of integrated protected
areas within the classification of national park as
provided for in the constitution”.
The NIPAS Law
The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Law or
Republic Act 7586 of 1992 provides a clear mandate to maintain an
essential ecological process and life support systems to preserve genetic
diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources and to maintain their
natural conditions to the greatest extent possible. The NIPAS Act
established the Mount Pulag National Park (MPNP) because of its unique
physical features and outstanding vegetation and wildlife.
The NIPAS Act likewise defines a protected area (PA) as “identified
portions of land and water set aside by reason of their unique physical and
biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and
protected against destructive human exploitation”. In other words, the
existing human occupants are considered part of the process in
proclaiming a PA. In the Mt. Pulag National Park (MPNP) process towards
22
being declared a PA, the human occupants perceived what is being
undertaken by the State as only a top-bottom authoritarian process. The
NIPAS Act though provides stakeholders direct involvement thus the
creation of a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of every PA.
The PAMB of each of the protected areas is composed of the
following: the Regional Executive Director under whose jurisdiction the
protected area is located; one (1) representative from the autonomous
regional government, if applicable; the Provincial Development Officer;
one representative from the municipal government; on (1) representative
from each tribal community; and at least three (3) representatives from
non-government
organizations/ local community organizations, and if
necessary, one (1) representative from other government agencies
involved in protected area management (NIPAS Revised IRR, 2008).
The PAMB approves policies, guidelines, plans and programs,
proposals, agreements and other related documents including the Manual
of Operations for the management of the Protected Area. The PAMB also
facilitates the ground delineation and demarcation of the boundaries of the
PA and buffer zone and ensure that the Management Plan and the
Ancestral
Domain
Sustainable
Development
and
Protection
Plan
(ADSDPP) are harmonized. Furthermore, the PAMB also monitors and
evaluates program implementation affecting the park and resolves
23
conflicts or disputes among and between tenured migrants (NIPAS
Revised IRR, 2008).
The NIPAS Act implementation in the Mt. Pulag National Park is
implemented with the lead agency as the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) hand in hand with the Protected Area
Management Board with various representations from the municipal and
barangay Local Government Units.
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA)
Republic Act No. 8371 otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples
Rights Act of 1997 is an act to recognize, protect and promote the rights
of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples, creating National
Commission on Indigenous Peoples, establishing implementing
mechanisms, appropriating funds thereof, and for other purposes.
In general, the IPRA seeks to recognize, promote and protect the
rights of the IPs. These include the Right to Ancestral Domain and Lands;
Right to Self-Governance and Empowerment; Social Justice and Human
Rights; and the Right to Cultural Integrity. Simply, these are defined as the
recognition of the rights of ownership and possession of ICCs/IPs to their
ancestral domains, the inherent right of ICC/IPs to self-governance and
self-determination and respect to the integrity of their values, practices
24
and institutions. Consequently, the state shall guarantee the right of
ICCs/IPs to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development,
that the state shall ensure that employment of any form or coercion
against ICCs/IPs shall be dealt with by law, and that the State shall
respect, recognize and protect the right of ICCs/IPs to preserve and
protect their culture, traditions and institutions. It shall consider these
rights in the formulation and application of national plans and policies
(NCIP Report, 2001).
The IPRA was signed into law on October 29, 1997 by then
President Ramos. Hailed as landmark legislation, the IPRA underwent
many years of legislative study and deliberation before it became a law. It
is the result of various consultation-briefings and consolidated bills related
to ancestral domains and lands, and international agreements on the
recognition of land/domain rights of the IPs.
On the other hand, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of
1997 is believed to have affected the land status of Mt. Pulag, and
eventually the ecological stability of the park.
25
Presidential Decree 705 or the
Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines
The Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the
Philippines also covers the Mt. Pulag National Park because it is basically
classified as a forestland.
This law defines that forest lands include the public forest, the
permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest reservations, to include the
Mt. Pulag National Park.
This law, among others, promotes for the protection, development
and rehabilitation of forest lands so as to ensure their continuity in
productive condition.
Section 49 of this law states that roads and other infrastructure in
forest lands shall be constructed with the least impairment to the resource
values thereof. It further states that government agencies undertaking the
construction of roads, bridges, communications, and other infrastructure
and installations inside forest lands, shall coordinate with the Bureau,
especially if it will involve the utilization or destruction of timber and/or
other forest resources, or watershed disturbance therein, in order to adopt
measures to avoid or reduce damage or injury to the forest resource
values.
26
Section 53 of the same law states that kaingineros, squatters,
cultural minorities and other occupants who entered into forest lands and
grazing lands before May 19, 1975, without permit or authority, shall not
be prosecuted, provided, that they do not increase their clearings, and that
they shall, whenever the best land use of the area so demands as
determined by the Director of Forestry, be ejected and relocated to the
nearest accessible government resettlement area (PD 705 as amended).
Effects on Natural Resource Management
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR –
CAR) reported rampant conversion of Cordillera Forests into vegetable
farms. This was published in the Manila Bulletin (January 27, 2009).
DENR CAR explained that a long-term moratorium on the expansion of
vegetable farms in Benguet would boost the consolidated efforts of
various sectors in the Cordillera to preserve and protect the region’s
watersheds and forests from destruction.
Also, several actions are geared towards the protection and
preservation of the whole area to avoid further encroachment and
expansion of vegetable farms into the mossy forest. But in reality, these
vegetable farms are continuously expanding and still is happening.
Hectares of the mossy forest are destroyed by the expanding vegetable
27
farms.
On the other hand, protected areas (PA) are affected because of
continuous operations by the indigenous people inhabiting the area.
The idea that PAs are areas wherein there should be no occupants
is inapplicable in the uplands declared as protected areas in the tropics
such as the Philippines, since many reside in mountainous areas and
depend on the forest areas for their daily needs.
According to Lynch (1992), there is an estimated forty million
people in the Philippines living on land classified as Public Forest
including forest protected areas. However, these are just estimates and
the exact number of forest dependent people in Southeast Asia is yet to
be determined.
Most of the Protected Areas in the country is managed by the
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) which is composed of the
various stakeholders in the area. This is mandated by Section 11 of the
NIPAS Act citing the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) as a
vehicle for management on site. This demonstrates that the participation
of stakeholders in the protection of biodiversity is feasible, not giving the
sole responsibility to the government.
28
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development refers to the wise use of the natural
environment and its resources, while maintaining an ecologically sound
environment, without sacrificing the future generations. This is the growing
concern for the Mt. Pulag National Park. Will it survive the growing
expansion of vegetable farms and still be able to provide and function as it
should for the future generations?
The classification of the natural environment as protected vis-à-vis
accessible/usable resource areas is a major issue in sustainable
development. The idea of sustainable development was defined by the
Bruntland Commission as “economic and social development that meets
the needs of the current generation without undermining the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs”. Sustainable development is
protecting nature from negative impacts of development projects and
securing the people’s rights in the use of the natural environment to meet
their needs as well as protect our natural heritage.
Sustainable development is defined as “a dynamic process in which
the development and utilization or resources, orientation of technological
development, institutional change and direction of investment are in
harmony; and both current and future potentials meet human needs and
inspirations” (Sajise, 1989). The essence of sustainable development is
29
the harmonious integration of a sound and viable economy, responsible
governance, social cohesion/harmony and ecological integrity to ensure
that development is a life-enhancing process. In this context, the ultimate
aim of development is human development now and through the future
generations (PA 21 Sec. 1.3).
The Philippine Agenda 21 (A National Agenda for Sustainable
Development) says that operationally, sustainable development is
development that draws out the full human potential across ages and
generations, and is, at the same time ecologically-friendly, economicallysound, politically empowering, socially just and equitable, spirituallyliberating, gender sensitive, based on holistic and integrative science,
technologically-appropriate, builds upon Filipino values, history, culture,
and excellence, and rests on strong institutional foundations (PA 21,
Sec.1.5).
In spite of this national agenda for sustainable development, there
is an increasing realization that as direct result of human activity, habitats
and species are being lost at an accelerating rate world wide.
Correspondingly, there is an increasing realization that human beings
need to do something urgently in order to protect, conserve and wisely
use what is left of the amazing diversity on earth. Protection of habitat is
the most effective means of conserving biodiversity (Ryan, 1992).
30
According to Rees (1990) even with rapid technological advances,
humankind is obligated to depend on productivity and life support systems
of ecosystems. This condition is attributed to the fixed nature of productive
land and natural capital, i.e. resources from ecosystems, aggravated by
intensive exploitation and utilization that resource bases could decline. As
a consequence, analyses of carrying capacity of land and natural
resources became imperative for sustainable development planning.
As economies grow continuously, and consumption of resources
(food and energy) exceeds natural capital (such as biodiversity, air, land,
water, timber, etc.) negative impacts are manifested in decline of
biodiversity, pollution of land, air, water, climatic changes, soil erosion and
floods, etc. With environmental factors taken into account in evaluating
production and utilization of resources, carrying capacity would mean the
maximum rates of resource harvesting and waste generation that can be
sustained without progressively impairing productivity and functional
integrity of ecosystems wherever these are located. (Rees, 1988)
Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives
The responsibility to conserve, manage, develop, and to properly
use the environment and natural resources prompted the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources to undertake various actions and
31
measures to enhance biodiversity.
The reason for the Philippine’s membership to the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) is to observe and participate in biodiversity
conservation for sustainability. Likewise, the ASEAN Regional Biodiversity
Center was established in the Philippines to initiate the transfer and
development of facilities related to biodiversity and biotechnology.
Republic Act No. 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources
Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 provides the policy to conserve
the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainability. Section
25 of the Act calls for the establishment of critical habitat outside protected
areas where threatened species are found.
The environmental issues concerning forest lands shall be dealt
accordingly to avert the destruction of the vegetative cover of the Mt.
Pulag National Park. It is recommended that the conversion of forest lands
into agricultural lands which are initiated by doing first ‘slash and burn’ or
‘kaingin’ in the area by the land claimants should be stopped (ERDS,
2008).
Survey and mapping of existing cultivated areas should be
undertaken. Any expansion to be done by the cultivators should be dealt
accordingly (ERDS, DENR – CAR 2008).
The areas of study will post a new direction in natural resource
32
management and community development.
Using the model of
protection, conservation, management and development of community
resources combined with the perspective of ecological community
analysis, Mount Pulag National Park will be assessed to provide cases for
future and expanded studies with similar goals of socio-cultural, economic
and ecological development.
33
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in Kabayan, Benguet particularly at
Mount Pulag National Park, located within the barangays of Ballay,
Tawangan, and Bashoy. These barangays are the sites of the vegetable
farms which were established and developed as part of the community life
of the indigenous people and growing community.
The research was conducted from June 2009 to February 2010.
During this period, pertinent research data were collected through
testimonies and experiences of the Kalanguya tribe and supplemented by
insights of other key players and stakeholders on the protection,
conservation and management of the Mount Pulag National Park.
Barangays Ballay and Tawangan are located at the northeastern
part of the Park, while barangay Bashoy is located at a southwestern area.
These are the areas of the Kalanguya and Ibaloi tribes whose main
livelihood is vegetable production. According to DENR estimates as stated
in the Management Plan, there are at least 180 farm lots with an
approximate land area of 1,785 hectares, and still expanding over time.
Figure 2 shows the location of the study sites.
34
Figure 2: Map showing the location of the research sites
found within the Mount Pulag National Park
35
The Mount Pulag National Park (MPNP) is an ideal site for the
study because of its physical condition and the presence of indigenous
people like the Kalanguya, Ibaloi, and Kankanaey. At the same time,
several interventions are observed and implemented, believed to have
influenced the expansion of the vegetable farms.
The Integrated Protected Area Plan (IPAP, 1994) presents a
combined classification based on land use and vegetation as shown in
Table 1.
Mt. Pulag National Park occurs in a narrow altitudinal zone where
the atmospheric environment is characterized by persistent frequent or
seasonal cloud cover at the vegetation level.
Table 1. Land Use and Areas of Mt. Pulag National Park, IPAP, 1990
LAND USE
AREA(hectares)
Pine Forest
2,047
PERCENTAGE IN
TERMS OF AREA
COVERAGE
17.72
804
6.96
Residential/ Cultivated
2,877
24.91
Mossy Forest
5,822
50.41
11,550
100.00
Openland/ Grassland
Total Area (MPNP)
Source: Integrated Protected Area Plan, 1990
36
In general, the Northern Luzon is characterized by heavy rainfall
from June to November and dry weather from January to April (Climatic
Type II). In Mt. Pulag, rainfall differs considerably in different parts of the
Park. The eastern slopes are much more humid than the western slopes,
with clouds covering the mossy forest most of the time, and there is no
pronounced wet and dry season (Climatic Type III).
Figure 3. Climatic Map of Kabayan showing the barangays
belonging to Type II and Type III Climatic Conditions.
Kabayan CLUP, 2003
37
The clouds dissolve before they reach the drier areas in the
western part of the Park. For the areas of study, barangays Ballay and
Bashoy fall under Climatic Type II, while barangay Tawangan falls under
Climatic Type III.
Respondents of the Study
There are thirty-nine (39) respondents identified as stakeholders of
the Mt. Pulag National Park. Out of the 39 respondents, ten (10) farmers
belong to the indigenous communities involved in vegetable farming, eight
(8) municipal and barangay officials, six (6) Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) officials, ten (10) members of the
Protected Area Management Board(PAMB), five (5) officials from regional
offices of the Department of Agriculture, the National Irrigation
Administration (NIA), the National Power Corporation(NPC), Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA)
Specifically, there were 32 males and 7 females.
Eleven (11)
respondents belong to the age bracket between 46 to 50 years old and ten
(10) respondents belong to ages between 51 to 55 years old.
The
youngest respondent is 22 years old, male and working as labourer in one
of the farms in Barangay Ballay and the oldest respondent is a 68 year
38
old, male and working as farmer and the community elder of the
indigenous peoples in Barangay Bashoy.
Furthermore, majority of the respondents are farmers (10 or
25.64%) and local government officials (17 or 43.58%) from the barangay
and municipal government units. The other respondents (8 or 20.51%)
are regional, provincial, and municipal foresters, agriculturist and agrarian
reform officers from the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Agrarian
Reform.
On the other hand, other key informants were identified as
managers (3 or 7.69%) who belong to top management of organizations
working on the protection, conservation and management of the Mount
Pulag National Park (Table 2).
Moreover, it was noted that the respondents are located in
strategic areas around the national park and also municipal and provincial
centers dealing with policy advocacy, program management and sectoral
development like social, economic, ecological and political aspects.
39
Table 2. Profile of the Respondents
N = 39Percentage
(%)
Sex
Male
Female
32
7
82.00
18.00
Below 30 years
31 – 35 years
36 – 40 years
41 – 45 years
46 – 50 years
51 – 55 years
56 – 60 years
Above 61 years
1
1
2
4
11
10
6
4
3.00
3.00
5.00
10.00
28.00
25.00
16.00
10.00
10
26.00
7
6
1
1
6
8
18.00
15.00
3.00
3.00
15.00
20.00
Age
Occupation
Farmer/Trader
Local government official
Barangay Level
Municipal Level
Agriculturist
Agrarian Reform Officer
Forester/Forest Ranger
Manager
The ten (10) farmers come from the three barangays; 4 farmers are
from Ballay; 3 from Tawangan, and 3 three from Bashoy. All farmerrespondents have resided and cultivated the vegetable farms for more
than fifteen years and at least three of them for more than 30 years as
shown in Table 3.
40
Table 3. Locations of the respondents
N = 39
Percentage
(%)
Farmers
Barangay Ballay
Barangay Tawangan
Barangay Bashoy
4
3
3
10.00
8.00
8.00
Local Government Officials
Barangay Ballay
Barangay Tawangan
Barangay Bashoy
Barangay Duacan
Barangay Poblacion
4
2
4
1
6
10.00
5.00
10.00
3.00
15.00
Others (Foresters and Agriculturists
Agrarian Reform Officers and
Managers)
Baguio City
Bokod, Benguet
Buguias, Benguet
Kayapa, Nueva Ecija
Lamut, Ifugao
8
1
1
1
1
20.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
Research Design and Research Methods Use
The study used complete qualitative methodology. Historical data
and physical evidences were analyzed through the factors influencing the
expansion of the vegetable farms.
Also, the actions done by the
stakeholders were described qualitatively which highlights the system,
pattern and process of expansion.
Four research methods were used by the researcher to collect the
41
data in relation to the vegetable farm activities, operations and actions
done to minimize the process of expansion particularly near and within the
Mount Pulag National Park. The case of the Kalanguya tribe on vegetable
farming is described along side the issues and concerns of the other key
players and stakeholders.
These research methods are in-depth case study of the Kalanguya
farmers, supported by key informant interviews, focus group discussions,
participant observation, and photo documentation.
Case study. The Kalanguya tribe is the case that was studied in
relation to the vegetable farming in the area. Historical documentation
described by the Kalanguya farmers were recorded and analyzed based
on the objectives identified. The case study described the different
experiences of Kalanguya farmers as basis for the description of baseline
information and further analyzed by the other respondents from the local
government units (LGU), PAMB, DENR and the other government
agencies.
Individual interviews.
The
individual
interviews
were
conducted in the vegetable farms and residence of the farmers, wherever
they were available at the time of visit. These were done in a random
order in barangays Ballay, Tawangan, and Bashoy. Also, other interviews
were administered to representatives of the government agencies and
42
municipal and barangay government officials in their respective offices. A
checklist of questions was prepared to facilitate the interviews. The
questions focused on the roles of the stakeholders towards sustainable
management of the park.
Focus group discussions. In order to obtain other research data
particularly on the protection, conservation and management of the
national park, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) officials
were encouraged to share and participate in a more detailed data
gathering process concerning the Mount Pulag National Park. The FGD
was attended by nine (9) members out of the fifteen (15) total members of
the PAMB.
The FGD was included in the regular meeting of the PAMB
scheduled on December 17, 2009. A letter of intent was addressed to the
PAMB Chairman requesting for the inclusion of the FGD, to discuss the
worsening state of the Mount Pulag National Park caused by the
expansion of the vegetable farms.
During the December 17, 2009 PAMB meeting, the PAMB
Chairman invited the researcher to explain the purpose of the study, and
immediately conducted the FGD. The background of the study and
expected outputs were discussed as part of the FGD process with the aid
a power point presentation. The FGD was facilitated by the researcher
43
with three major questions. Answers to the three questions were written
on the meta cards provided which were posted on a white board to further
solicit and encourage reactions, insights, ideas, and comments specifically
on the protection, conservation, management and concerns affecting the
vegetable farm expansion in the park.
Responses and explanations were read and or written as short
sentences using the local dialects such as Kalanguya, Kankana-ey, and
Ibaloi. The documenter provided the translation after the FGD for better
coding and analysis by the researcher.
Participant observation. Results of participant observation on the
expansion of the vegetable farms in Mt. Pulag were done by the
researcher when she was assigned at the Protected Areas, Wildlife and
Coastal Zone Management Service of the DENR-CAR. Officially however,
as an input to this study, the real observations were enhanced by photo
documents and analysis. Other physical observations were done during
the conduct of the study.
The observations noted were the physical changes within the area,
and how the DENR and the local government units responded to the
situation. During the course of the study, the researcher was able to
observe actions from a multi-agency forest protection committee called the
Quick Response Team, which was initially organized by the DENR to
44
respond to the growing concern on land use conversion of forests into
vegetable farms in Benguet, Ifugao and Mt. Province. These observations
were further complimented by DENR reports, press releases and LGU
records and documents.
Data Gathering, Analysis and Interpretation
Data gathering was facilitated through letter requests to the
Municipal Mayor and the Regional Executive Director of DENR-CAR
seeking permission for the conduct of interviews and focus group
discussions. Both heads of offices from the LGU and DENR approved the
requests, thus the activities were conducted smoothly.
The data gathered were analyzed and interpreted to come up with
comparative findings which were further analyzed to provide conclusive
and appropriate actions and recommendations.
45
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The Kalanguya Tribe and Their Vegetable Farms
Vegetable farms found at the slopes and within the Mount Pulag
National Park provide a systematic operation of the indigenous peoples
inhabiting the area. The results were obtained from a case of Kalanguya
farmers who started cultivating vegetable farms at Mount Pulag as early
as 1900’s.
The emerging concern on the expansion of vegetable farms is
described and analyzed in detail to show relationship of environmental
resource
management
analysis
and
perspective
of
community
development of the Kalanguya farmers.
As part of a fast growing tribe, Kalanguya farmers were cooperative
to deal with. They shared testimonies that provide information to describe
their present system of vegetable farming in barangays Ballay, Bashoy
and Tawangan.
Before the expansion of the vegetable farms within the Mount
Pulag National Park (MPNP), the Kalanguya rely mostly on the natural
resources of Mt. Pulag for food, shelter and clothing. It was so abundant
then that the indigenous peoples (IPs) only take what they need and
maintain a balance with nature. Through time, more and more hunting and
46
gathering activities were done that led to the decrease of food like fruits,
root crops, and animals including fuel wood and raw materials coming
from the forests. As these progressed, the indigenous peoples explored,
cleared lands and started cultivating (Fred Aguinse, Community Elder,
Personal Interview, 2009).
According to Conklin (1998), this practice is called swidden farming
system or ‘slash and burn’ or locally termed as ‘kaingin.’
The practice was first noted in the dwelling place of the Kalanguya
tribe with no defined boundaries in barangays Ballay, Tawangan and
Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet at the slopes of Mount Pulag.
The Kalanguyas are culturally-based on ancestral beliefs, their local
resources emanating from blessings from their gods and ancestors who
inhabit the sacred grounds of Mt. Pulag. They trace their origin to Kabigat
and Bugan who lived in the summit of Mt. Pulag. They had thirteen
descendants, some of which dispersed and settled in Benguet, La Union
and Ifugao. However, most of them remained in the surroundings of Mt.
Pulag, particularly in Daklanto, now called Tawangan. The present-day
Kalanguya in Tawangan traces his/her ancestry to Amduyan, one among
the descendants of Kabigat. The barangays found inside the Mt. Pulag
National Park are predominantly inhabited by the Kalanguya tribe.
47
In a study conducted by Pastor Delbert Rice (1982) about the
history of the Kalanguya, he traced the Kalanguya people on the slopes of
Mt. Pulag during the Spanish conquest. He related that by the end of the
Spanish colonial rule, the group of Kalanguyas at the slopes of Mt. Pulag
began to move southward, settling in the Kayapa valley. Accordingly, the
migration was triggered by several factors including a) an epidemic of
small pox which they called “bungkellew” that caused residents to flee
Ambaguio, Nueva Viscaya, and Asipulo, Ifugao and areas close to the
boundary of Benguet and Ifugao, b) tribal wars, and c) head hunting.
Pastor Rice further wrote that the Kalanguya were looking for more
fertile areas and new hunting grounds. However, there were some of the
members of the tribe, together with other Kankana-ey and Ibaloi, who
chose to return to their former settlement in Tinoc, located in the region of
Mt. Pulag.
These Kalanguya tribe members are believed by Martina Panas to
be her ancestors, their descendants moving to Ballay because of another
epidemic that hit Tinoc in the early 20th century.
The Kalanguya inhabit three municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya,
namely Ambaguio, Kayapa and Santa Fe and two municipalities in Ifugao,
Tinoc and Asipulo. In Benguet, four barangays of Kabayan are
predominantly Kalanguya. Of the four barangays, three are the study sites
48
of this research, namely Ballay, Tawangan and Bashoy. The composition
of the Indigenous Peoples in the Mount Pulag national Park is presented
in the pie graph (Figure 4).
Based on a study conducted by the IWM-DFI in 1993, the survey
shows that in Mt. Pulag, the Kalanguya has the greatest composition of
77% followed by the Ibaloi with 20% and other ethnic groups (Karaos and
Kankana-eys) composing of 3%.
Figure 4. The composition of Indigenous Peoples in the Mt.
Pulag National Park. (RBI, 1990)
49
The barangays found inside the Mt. Pulag National Park are
predominantly inhabited by the Kalanguya tribe. Although Ibalois are
dominant in the municipality of Kabayan, only a few are found inside the
Park. The greater number of Ibalois is found in barangays adjacent to and
outside the Park. The Kankana-eys inhabit barangays Amlimay and
Catlubong of Buguias found inside the Park, and a few have migrated to
Ballay, Bashoy and Tawangan during the last two decades.
The farmer-respondents are 80% Kalanguya and 75% of them
were born in Mt. Pulag as descendants of Kalanguya generations who
settled in Mt. Pulag during the early 20th century. The remaining 25%
stayed at least an average of 25 years inside Mt. Pulag.
In the 1900’s the Kalanguya vegetable farms started. They
practiced swidden farming system or the “kaingin”. According to Conklin
(1954) and Garrity (2001), swidden farming system is an agricultural
system in which the fields are cleared (usually by fire) and cultivated for
shorter periods then they are fallowed. Farm operations follow by planting
upland rice, root crops, legumes and some fruit trees.
Because of the nomadic behavior of the Kalanguya, they opened
areas in the slopes and of Mt. Pulag. These are called swidden fields, uma
and family forests locally called kiy-yaw-wan or muyong which were
transferred and inherited by the next generation of Kalanguyas.
50
Traditionally, an uma or inum-an is cultivated for two or three years
and then left to fallow. Abandonment of an area depends on the quantity
and quality of harvest from the uma. If the Kalanguya is not satisfied with
the harvest, he will immediately abandon it and let it fallow. But if the
harvest is good, then cropping continues.
Fallowing among the Kalanguya is usually done for five to seven
years, then the uma can be cultivated again. The Kalanguya plants trees
during the first year of cropping, so that when he leaves, the trees indicate
that an area is in fallow and also serve as symbol of ownership of the land.
The family who first cleared the area has the option to use the field
and other families who wish to cultivate it must first ask permission. It is
now the practice for some families to make improvements such as building
stonewalls (riprap) across the slopes of the uma to prevent soil erosion
and planting fruit and shade trees including avocado, pomelo, alnus, and
pine trees.
Rice fields are the most important inheritance or “tawid”, a
Kalanguya, Ibaloi or Kankana-ey can bequeath to the children. For
parents who own rice fields, their children must be given inheritance upon
marriage as a way of helping them start their own families. Families with
rice fields protect and maintain forested areas called kiy-yaw-an or
muyong which are the source of water for the rice paddies.
51
Furthermore, when the rice fields surrounding the forested areas
are passed on to the children, they all become responsible for the
muyong. Barangay Elder and PAMB member Fred Aguinse explained that
the responsibility of sustaining the muyong for years was eventually
interpreted and accepted by the Kalanguyas to mean ownership over
these areas (Personal Interview, 2009).
He further stated that the developments implemented by the
children who inherited the uma, as stonewalls or farm shacks built, fencing
and trees planted
were recognized by the municipal assessor as
improvements and became basis for tax declaration.
Plate 1. New clearings in the mossy forest in Tabeyo
June 02, 2009
52
He further pointed out that these uma and muyong or kiy-yaw-an
are slowly being converted to vegetable farms due to the hardships of life
encountered these days.
Consequently, Martina Panas relates that she inherited the original
vegetable farms of about a hectare from her parents which she and her
husband farmed after they got married. However, after the births of her
eight children, the area was just not enough, so they had to expand their
one hectare farm into another hectare towards the forest. In 2008, they
had to expand again because her children got married (Personal
Interview, 2009).
On the other hand, Rudy Guinoran shared that he did not inherit
any uma or kiyaw-wan. His parents were migrants who did not have uma
or lands of their own. Instead, they bought a small piece of land to till. It
was noted that the land was not enough to support Rudy’s new family too.
As a consequence, he transferred his residence from Lebeng to Babadak
where he cleared and opened new area (Personal Interview, 2009).
The following table presents a historical timeline of events and
activities that affected directly or indirectly the expansion of vegetable
farms in the Mt. Pulag National Park.
53
Table 4. Historical events and activities that occurred in relation to
vegetable farming in the Mt. Pulag National Park (Derived
from document analysis, 1950-2009, DENR Reports)
DATE
Spanish
Conquest
HISTORICAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Kalanguyas established themselves on the slopes of Mt.
Pulag
End of Spanish Kalanguyas in Mt. Pulag moved southward and settled in
Colonial Rule
Kayapa Valley due to epidemic (small pox,
“bungkellew”), tribal wars and head hunting.
1935 – 1988
BCI Logging Operations in Bashoy, Kabayan
(Operations stopped during World War II, then resumed)
1987
Proclamation of Mt. Pulag as a National Park under
Proclamation 75 dated February, 1987. The signing of
the proclamation required organizational support by
dispatching Forest Rangers and Designated Officers
1990
Preparation of a Management Plan that led to the
funding of the park under the Debt-for-Nature Swap
Program (DFNSP) that was financed by the World
Wildlife Fund (WWF).
1991
•
•
1992
Construction of the Babadak Ranger Station at
Mt. Pulag National Park, Bashoy, Kabayan,
Benguet
5 Certificate of Ancestral Land Claims (CALCs)
issued by DENR in Tawangan and Lusod with an
area of 5,343 hectares.
Approval of the RA 7586 or the National Integrated
Protected Area System Act
54
Table 4. Continued . . .
DATE
HISTORICAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1993
Preparation and implementation of the Implementing
Rules and Regulations of RA 7586 or the National
Integrated Protected Area System Act
1994
Issuance of Certificate of Land Ownership Agreement
(CLOA) by DAR with an area of 1,022 hectares in
Tawangan
1995
•
•
•
•
Last Quarter of the year, Funding of the park
coming from the European Union through the
National Integrated Protected Area Programme
(NIPAP);
Hiring of 4 contractual staff under the NIPAP to
include forest rangers.
Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) and
Assistant PASu in place.
Opening –up of the Ballay-Tawangan Road,
Bulldozing of the LGU project
1985-1990
Presence of NPA within Mt. Pulag
No patrolling, extensive expansion.
Voluminous increase in vegetable products within Mt.
Pulag.
1996
Issuance of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims
(CADC) covering barangays within Mt. Pulag, by NCIP
55
Table 4. Continued . . .
DATE
HISTORICAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
2000
Construction of a Protected Area Office (PAO) through
the European Union Fund-NIPAP in Ambangeg, Daclan,
Bokod, Benguet;
2001
The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
approved the first Work and Financial Plan of Mt. Pulag
National Park for its eventual implementation with funds
coming from the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF).
This included the hiring of contractual park rangers to
help in the management of the park. The utilization of
the fund is a breakthrough in the park management as
site-based forest rangers and personnel were hired to
conduct protection activities and implement ecotourism.
2008
Revision of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of
the NIPAS Act of 1992, to adjust and harmonize
provisions with the IPRA Law.
2009
Vegetable farm expansion in the Mt. Pulag National Park
persists.
56
Factors Influencing the Expansion
of Vegetable Farms
Poverty
Most of the farmers interviewed said that the vegetable farms in Mt.
Pulag are persistently expanding because of poverty. The FGD with the
PAMB also points out that the most basic factor influencing vegetable
expansion is low economic status of the Indigenous Peoples inside the
park.
When Martina and Rudy were children, they relate that their needs
were satisfied by the uma and vegetable farms their parents were farming,
and the bounties provided by nature. The staple food of the Kalanguya
then was sweet potato harvested from their uma.
Today, they have to send their children to school, which requires
money. Sweet potato production is just not enough anymore because all
the uma were converted into vegetable farms. When the price of
vegetables goes very low, “bagsak” as the farmers call it, the children will
have nothing to eat. If this happens, Martina and Rudy avail of credit, in
cash or in kind for rice, fertilizers, seeds and other farm inputs provided by
the suppliers from the Baguio City Hangar market or the “baknang” (rich
people) as they call them. With the adverse fluctuating prices of
vegetables, Martina laments that vegetable farming has put them into bad
57
dept which accumulated through continuous farming and poor vegetable
pricing.
In another note, the local financiers are the moneyed people called
“baknang”. They provide cash or material inputs. Some identified
middlemen also loan out capital in cash or in kind for the farmers, provided
that the vegetables harvested are brought to their stall at the La Trinidad
trading post or Baguio City market.
This system of entrepreneurship among middlemen in the market,
has actually contributed to the clearing and opening of wider areas for
vegetable farms, as stated in the case of Manong Rudy. He relates that
even those who have no capital are confident in clearing new areas
because the farm inputs are available, even to include rice subsistence
until harvest time.
The
Sanguniang
Bayan
Chairperson
on
Committee
on
Environment, Hon. Dorothea Sental (Personal Interview, 2009) said that
the main reason behind the conversion of the National Park into vegetable
farms is because of poverty, there being no other source of income in the
communities. She explained that as a way of contributing to the economic
condition of the farming communities, the LGU has started programs on
ecotourism where guides and porters are hired, and local products are
promoted, including the vegetables harvested from their farms. She is
58
hopeful that in the future, the LGU will develop other livelihood activities
from ecotourism, especially for the women group.
The Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Engr. Berry
Sangao (Personal Interview, 2009) stated that the annual planning
process of the LGU always takes into consideration the welfare of the Mt.
Pulag National Park. Plans, programs and budget for the welfare of the
Park are recommended by the PAMB, the Environment Committee, Peace
and Order Committee and the barangays. He admitted, however, that
protection of the forest from conversion into vegetable farms has not been
specifically, included in their plans. However, programs to deviate the
communities from the land use conversion were considered through
livelihood and ecotourism programs.
Alfredo, a farmer from Tawangan said, “if the government will drive
us away from our vegetable farms which are our only land and source of
living, we will die because we have nowhere else to go” (Personal
Interview 2009).
Based on the case of Kalanguya vegetable farming in the Mt. Pulag
National Park, Table 5 shows the factors affecting the expansion of the
vegetable farms. These were derived from the interviews and the FGD.
Accordingly, poverty and lack of alternative livelihood is ranked 1
because the indigenous people believed that there is no alternative work
59
provided in the community.
This is manifested by the continuous
vegetable farming operation in the area.
In support to this, the unclear boundaries, cultural belief and
practices of the people and community rank 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Based on this, the respondents noted that these are intertwined and
related according to the contributory factors in the expansion of the
vegetable farms.
However, one point identified was the laxity in implementation of
policies and rules and regulations on the protection and management of
the Mount Pulag National Park. This means that even with the presence
of these laws, it was hardly convincing that these helped mitigate
expansion. As a consequence, the indigenous people believe that they
are traditionally responsible for the management of the natural resources
in the national park.
60
Table 5. Ranking of the factors influencing the expansion of vegetable
farms in the Mt. Pulag National Park.
FACTORS
RANK
(Based on frequency
of answers from
respondents)
Poverty/ Lack of alternative livelihood resulting to
poor economic status of households.
1
Increasing population and Migration
4
Low knowledge of the community / farmers of the
Laws governing Forests and National Parks.
6
Leniency/ laxity in the enforcement of laws,
policies, and regulations governing forests and
protected areas and national parks.
5
No clear boundaries.
2
Cultural belief and practices on land ownership/
Ancestral claims.
3
Presence of New Peoples’ Army
11
Availability of suppliers/loans.
9
Availability of heavy equipment /machinery that
facilitates clearing.
7
Suitability of mossy forest for vegetable farming;
low fertilizer and water inputs.
10
Opening-up of roads/ farm-to-market roads.
8
61
No Clear Boundaries
In spite of the fact that vegetable farms already existed in 1987,
prior to the declaration of Mt. Pulag as a National Park, Manong Rudy
(Personal Interview 2009) says that there was no ground delineation or
markers to indicate boundaries of the Park. He was aware that it was
declared as such. However until now that he has been tilling his vegetable
farm for more than twenty years, he still does not know where the
boundary of the Park ends or starts. He now has nine children, a widower,
and accordingly, more than ever needs the land to support his family.
He requests that the boundary delineation be done and to exclude
their vegetable farms from the coverage of the park. This request is
supported by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Faustino Aquisan when he
emphasized the need to survey all the existing vegetable gardens within
the park, this as a way to mitigate the expansion of the vegetable farms.
He requested that this should be done collaboratively with the DENR, LGU
and the PAMB. He explained that since the farmers cannot be evicted
from their farms, then we should allow them to till what they are tilling now,
but definitely, there should be no more expansion. This will be
implemented in accordance with the ground markers that should be
installed by the DENR. The Mayor said it is not too late to protect what
remains of Mt. Pulag National Park, at the same time giving way to the
62
clamor of the farmers to continue with vegetable farming as their
livelihood.
Sanguniang Bayan Senforiano Busilag, who is also a member of
the PAMB said that the farmers clamor for the boundary to be relocated
higher into the mountain, in order to accommodate their newly opened
farms. However, he is not in favor of this, specifically for those lands
bought by individuals who came from adjacent municipalities and are
newly operated (Personal Interview, 2009).
The Municipal Planning and Development Officer of Bokod, Engr.
Pancho Esnara (Personal Interview, 2009) also claims that the best way
to solve the problem of expansion is to delineate the boundary on the
ground and establish visible monuments which must be done the soonest
possible time.
Still three of the farmers said that they have encroached into the
mossy forest because there is no demarcation of the National Park on the
ground, thereby they did not know that they were encroaching.
The idea is the same with PAMB Lope Atas’ comment when he
said that there should be “mohon” or markers established to clearly and
publicly show the boundary line of the National Park. If this is shown, all
the members of the community will be vigilant to expansion (Personal
Interview, 2009).
63
In addition, another farmer from Ballay stated that he bought his
land from his nephew, not knowing that the area is inside the national
park. He said, once the “mohon” or marker will be in place, they will know
the boundary and will not encroach. As observed, this is a good indicator
which means that the people accept the declaration of the area as a
Protected Area and a National Park, provided the markers are there to
indicate the boundaries.
The non-delineated boundary of the National Park creates an
impression of “free access” as their ancestral claim.
One of the farmers interviewed said that once the boundary of the
Park is delineated and markers are installed, they will stop expanding
beyond the markers. This was also supported by the PAMB when they
said that one way of mitigating the problem is to install markers along the
boundary of the Park. However, there is the concern of allowing the
existing gardens to be delineated as part of the Park, or acquiesce to the
clamor of the farmers to exclude it during the final survey.
A farmer in Ballay pointed out that their children have nowhere to go, if the
government will drive them away from the Park. However, Mayor Aquisan
said in his interview that one way to solve the problem is to let the farmers
farm their existing farms but delineate the remaining area of the Park on
64
the ground, and there shall be no more encroachment beyond the
markers.
As Punong Barangay and a member of the PAMB, Manong Rudy
claims that there are no more new openings in their area because it is
prohibited by DENR. He says that they have to make do of their existing
farms.
However, the photo below shows the slow expansion of the
vegetable farms in Ballay, this part of which is clearly inside the Park.
Patches of clearings are slowly inching their way higher into the mossy
forest of the Park.
Plate 2. Gardens slowly inching their way upwards.
Border between Ballay, Kabayan & Amlimay,
Buguias, Benguet (June 02, 2009)
65
Plate 3. A mossy forest in Ballay slowly being replaced
by vegetable farms. (June 02, 2009)
The BMS report in May 2003 states that there is cultivation of
abandoned agricultural areas observed along the Uleg-aki trail in Tabeyo.
In September of the same year, the BMS report states again that there is
an intention of occupants to re-cultivate an area of the protected area
along the same trail, as indicated by a burned portion. Likewise, the same
BMS team observed two patches of new clearings along the trail towards
Tawangan.
66
Cultural Belief and Practices on Land Ownership
The indigenous system of land ownership influences and to some
extent dictates how land and other resources are utilized in the park. The
Cordillera communities believe that God created land, forest, water,
minerals, and all other resources. These resources are believed to be for
everybody in the community; people have the rightful access to these
resources. Access to these resources is a right handed from generation to
generation. The communities within and around Mt. Pulag know that it is a
declared National Park. However, they claim that they have been there
since time immemorial. Therefore, they have the right to the resources
inside the Park. In spite of this however, some local residents respect park
regulations on protection and management of resources.
Ownership of the land is believed by the Kalanguyas as handed
down to them from one generation to another. This is recognized by the
IPRA Law, and thru the NCIP, the government has awarded ancestral
domain claims to indigenous peoples including the Kalanguyas found
within Mt. Pulag.
Based on interviews, the Kalanguya farmers believe in their land
ownership through ancestral claims. Although the three barangays
covered by the study site is not part of the Certificate of Ancestral domain
Claim (CADC), these Kalanguyas in barangays Ballay, Tawangan and
67
Bashoy still believe that their land was owned by their ancestors.
This belief in ownership, strengthened by their information about
the IPRA Law, has encouraged them to sell and apply for tax declarations
over the areas. At least two of the farmers claim that they have bought
their lots from relatives.
Furthermore, it was observed that the “buy and sell” system of land
indicates their perception of land ownership, which is based on their
indigenous occupancy over the years.
On the other hand, it was noted that several burial caves are found
in the municipality of Kabayan particularly in Tawangan. These are located
in Bato mountain, Halukip and Manlusod, all found inside the park. These
burial caves contain remains believed to be the ancestors of their Kailian.
The Kalanguya consider the burial caves as sacred sites which should not
be disturbed.
Population Growth
The municipality of Kabayan started as a municipality with only 22
people registered in 1903. There was a significant increase of population
in 1918 (15 years later) with an absolute change of 2,819. This population
rose to 4,190 in 1939 but decreased by 385 during the census after World
War II. By 1960, however, the population rose to 5,869. In the year 2000,
68
it has reached a total of 12,344. The 97-year (1903-2000) population trend
was pegged at 2.83% annually and current annual growth rate (19952000) was 3.22% as shown in Table 6.
Table 6. Historical Population Growth by Linear Method.
Kabayan, Benguet (1903 – 2000)
Censal Period
Population
Absolute
Change
No. of
Years
Growth Rate
by Linear
Method
(%)
March 3, 1903
22
December 31,
2,841
2,819
15
854.2424
January 1, 1939
4,190
1,349
21
2.2611
October 1, 1948
3,805
-385
9
-1.0209
February 15,
5,869
-1,247
12
4.5204
May 6, 1970
7,116
1,147
10
2.1247
May 1, 1975
8,363
1,247
5
3.5048
May 1, 1980
9,072
708
5
1.6956
May 1, 1990
10,306
1,234
10
1.3602
September 1,
10,510
204
5
0.3959
12,344
1,834
5
3.4900
-----
12,322
97
577.4133
1918
1960
1995
May 1, 2000
1903-2000
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), 2003-2012, Kabayan
69
The Kabayan Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP,
2003-2012) presents that there is increasing growth rate in the
municipality over the years. In the Mt. Pulag National Park and specifically
within the study site, Tables 7 and 8 below also present that there is
significant increase in population growth rate in the barangays, specifically
in 1995-2000, the annual average growth rate for barangays Ballay,
Bashoy and Tawangan are 2.63%, 2.39% and 0.23% respectively.
Table 7. Demographic progression in five municipalities
encompassing portions of the Mt. Pulag National Park.
Municipality
and Province
Total
Population1970
POPCEN
Philippines
36,684,486
Benguet
263, 550
Nueva
172,198
Vizcaya
Ifugao
92,487
Kabayan
7,257
Buguias
12,349
Bokod
10,059
Kayapa
14,920
Tinoc
Source: Mt. Pulag RBI, 1994
Total
Population1980
POPCEN
Total
Population1990
POPCEN
Total
Population1995
POPCEN
48,098,460
354,751
241,690
60,703,206
485,546
301,179
68,614,162
540,716
334,965
111,368
9,763
17,509
11,899
20,491
-
147,281
10,306
25,236
11,474
18,685
8,256
149,598
10,510
28,031
10,526
19,376
9,504
70
The increase in the number of members of the households has a direct
effect on the expansion of vegetable farms. Particularly in the three
barangay study sites, the significant increase in population as pointed out
in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP),
has contributed to the
expansion of vegetable farms.
Table 8. Annual Average Growth Rates in the municipalities and
barangays within and nearby Mount Pulag National Park
Municipa- Barangay
Population
Annual average
lity
growth rate
1980
1990
1995 198019901990
1995
Kabayan Total
9,763 10,306 10,510
0.54 %
0.37%
Ballay
951
1,435
1,648
4.20 %
2.63 %
Bashoy
705
931
1,056
2.82 %
2.39 %
Tawangan
437
558
565
2.47%
0.23 %
Adaoay
539
521
479 -0.34 % -1.56 %
Anchukey
270
259
285 -0.42 %
1.81 %
Batan
1,106
1,092
951 -0.13 % -2.56 %
Duacan
539
528
539 -0.31 %
0.39 %
Eddet
400
445
519
1.07 %
2.93 %
Gusaran
786
1,050
1,051
2.94 %
0.02 %
Kabayan
292
322
336
0.98 %
0.80 %
Bario
Lusod
1,006
815
881 -2.08 %
1.47 %
Pacso
1,026
1,024
949 -0.02 % -1.42 %
Poblacion
1,706
1.326
1,251 -2.49 % -1.09 %
Buguias
Total
17,509 25,236 28,031
3.72 %
1.99 %
Abatan
1,939
2,244
1,800
1.47 % -4.05 %
Amgaleygey
2,157
3,780
2,485
5.77 % -7.56 %
Amlimay
1,208
1,706
1,858
3.51 %
1.61 %
Catlubong
713
1,094
1,600
4.37 %
7.39 %
Natubleng
1,313
1,896
2,107
3.74 %
2.00 %
Poblacion
1,789
1.652
2,807
3.53 %
1.96 %
71
Table 8. Continued . . .
Municipa- Barangay
lity
Bokod
Kayapa
Tinoc
Total
Ambuclao
Bila
Daclan
Ekip
Karao
Poblacion
Balete
Cabayo
Impugong
Luhong
Population
1980
1990
1995
11,899
2,610
929
1,240
496
804
1,625
948
792
0
0
40,911
11,474
2,892
1.003
1,354
720
853
1,652
1,060
797
644
775
50,292
10,526
2,199
975
1,401
784
837
1,455
702
1,645
851
1,631
53,896
Annual average
growth rate
198019901990
1995
-0.36 % -1.60 %
1.03 % -5.01 %
0.77 % -0.53 %
0.88 %
0.64 %
3.80 %
1.61 %
0.59 % -0.35 %
0.16 % -2.35 %
1.12 % -7.44 %
0.06 % 14.55 %
5.36 %
- 14.97 %
2.09 %
1.31 %
Grand
Total
Source: NSO, POPCEN 1980, 1990 and 1995 Elaboration by NIPAP
Table 9 shows that the population density in barangays Ballay and
Bashoy is relatively high compared to Tawangan and Poblacion. With this
situation, there is still possibility for expansion both for livelihood and
residential, to expand not elsewhere but into the forest.
72
Table 9. Population density of barangays within/ nearby
Mt. Pulag National Park (NSO, 1995)
Barangays
Total
Popula
tion
Total
No. of
Households
Average Land
Population
no. per
area
Density
h.h.
sq. km. (inh/km2)
Ballay
1,648
278
5.93
22.57
73.02
Bashoy
1,056
185
5.71
17.29
61.08
Tawangan
565
91
6.21
35.04
16.12
Poblacion
1,251
234
5.35
22.52
55.55
Migration
The
migration
of
farmers
from
adjacent
barangays
and
municipalities, is adding-up to the increase in population. These migrants
enter the park as laborers or as new “owners” of areas bought for
vegetable farming.
Migration into the Mt. Pulag National Park started with the coming
of the Kalanguyas from Tinoc because of an epidemic that attacked the
town during the early part of the 20th century (RBI, 1990). Seven decades
later, other tribes like the Kankana-eys and more Kalanguyas from
adjacent municipalities started coming for the same reason, the rich
natural resources of Mt. Pulag, particularly the forests that can be cleared
and
opened
into
vegetable
farms.
73
When the New Peoples Army (NPA) established their route to and
from nearby provinces of Benguet vias Ifugao and Nueva Viscaya en route
the Mt. Pulag forests, forest rangers stopped patrolling activities within the
Park. The Kalanguyas from Balete in Nueva Viscaya, who had relatives in
Bashoy, saw the opportunity for a livelihood. According to Manong Rudy
(Personal Interview, 2009), it was at this time that they bought lands
(believed by the indigenous Kalanguya Tribe to belong to them) in Bashoy
and also joined in the vegetable farming.
As a consequence, the presence of the New Peoples Army in the
forests of Mt. Pulag, stopped the monitoring activities of BCI and DENR
forest rangers and increased the clearing of new areas by migrants who
bought lands inside and adjacent to the park.
In July 2000, the DENR – BMS reported that large tracks of mossy
forest starting from Babadak to Teltelpok have already been converted
into vegetable farms which are planted with different cash crops. In a
way, this is the kind of land expansion done by the Kalanguya.
It was also at this time that the vegetable products from Mt. Pulag
started to increase in volume, and continued to do so enormously by the
early 1990s.
By comparison, the Kankanaey farmers in Ballay came from the
nearby municipality of Buguias, a municipality engaged in intensive
74
vegetable farming as the major source of income. The saturation of
vegetable farms in their municipality forced them to buy areas in nearby
Ballay, Tawangan and Bashoy, Kabayan to use for intensive vegetable
farming. With the years of experience in vegetable farming and the
cheaper lands in Mt. Pulag, this resulted to the clearing of mossy forests
with conditions that require lesser fertilizer and water inputs (Kagawad
Busilag, Personal Interview, 2009).
Antonio Pedro from the municipality of Buguias married and finally
settled in Ballay. He says that originally, he and his wife farmed a portion
of land belonging to his wife’s father, but later on had to expand because
their family was growing, and the children had to go to school. They
bought a lot from his wife’s relatives to add up to their original farm lot
(Personal Interview, 2009).
Antonio’s brother, Jacinto, went to work for him when he was still a
teenager. Eventually, he married a Kalanguya, and also bought a lot from
the locality to operate as a vegetable farm for his new family. The legality
of buying and owning a lot inside the National Park was not an issue at
that time for Antonio and his brother. They believed that the lots sold to
them were owned by the Kalanguyas; and therefore, they had the right to
sell. This situation was supported by the Quick Response Team Report
75
(2008) when they included among one of their concerns, the wrong
perception of the communities of the IPRA Law on land resource
ownership.
Low knowledge of farmers and the community
of the laws governing forests and national parks
Mrs. Panas stated that her relatives and neighbors sold lands that
are part of the forests to other relatives and farmers from Buguias.
Another farmer said he bought his land from his nephew. Mr. Guinoran
said that people from Viscaya who had relatives in Bashoy migrated and
bought lands that are part of the forestland for vegetable farming. These
are all because those who sold and those who bought are not aware of
the law (PD 705, The Forestry Code of the Philippines) that prohibits the
sale of forestlands, or the use of it for agricultural purposes.
Mr. Guinoran related how his father was bailed from arrest by
giving up his Tax Declarations for a parcel of land within the Mt. Pulag
National park. Another farmer stated that he tax declared his vegetable
farm 40 years ago.
The claims stated by the farmers are prohibited by law. This is
because PD 705 again states that forestlands cannot be Tax Declared.
76
Leniency/ laxity in the enforcement of
laws, policies, and regulations governing
forests, protected areas and national parks
The issuance of Tax Declarations within Protected Areas (LGU) is
prohibited by law, and yet Municipal LGUs continue to issue them. With
the knowledge that Tax Declarations are proofs of ownership, the
community opted to tax declare their areas, even if it meant paying
minimal taxes. Even after the growing concern of the expansion of the
vegetable gardens, there was no action to correct the illegality. The Tax
Declarations of areas inside the Park should have been cancelled.
There is implementation of infrastructure projects inside the
Protected Area without community consultation and without permit or
Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) by LGU and concerned
Government Agencies).
The Quick Response Team Workshop Output in 2008 states that all
previous cases within Mt. Pulag National Park jurisdiction have been
dismissed for lack of evidence and lack of witnesses. The cases were all
violations to the Presidential Decree 705, the Forestry Code of the
Philippines, to include illegal cutting of trees for lumber and clearing of the
forest for expansion of vegetable farms. The Quick Response Team
77
included as one of their functions, to assist in the preparation of legal
documents for cases to be filed.
Availability of heavy equipment and
machinery that facilitates clearing
The availability of chainsaw, bulldozers and backhoes in the park
was
identified as a factor that influences the expansion of vegetable
farms. The Quick
Response Team has acknowledged this in their
workshop and various reports as a concern that needs to be addressed
immediately through policy issuances by local as well as national
counterparts. The regulation of the chainsaw is already covered by the
Chainsaw Act however the strict implementation of this law is needed in
the Mt. Pulag National Park.
Opening of roads/ farm-to-market roads
The opening of new roads and farm-to-market roads as well as
other government projects in the park as irrigation, has facilitated the
expansion of the vegetable farms.
The testimonies discussed previously, witnessed that the opening
of the Poblacion-Ballay Road, the Ballay-Tawangan Road, the TawanganTinoc Road, and even the road opened-up by the BCI from Bokod to
78
Babadak, has very much facilitated the expansion of the vegetable farms
within these areas.
A PAMB member said that the opening of the Tawangan-Tinoc
road (project of Congressman Chungalao, Kalipi Project) has facilitated
the destruction of the forest and the expansion of vegetable farms. He
questions how this project was implemented by the government,
destroying the mossy forests and opening-up roads for land conversion
and illegal logging. This is supported by the Biodiversity Monitoring
System (BMS) Data of the Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone
Management Service of the DENR when it said in its June 26, 2000
report, that the opening-up of an access road in Tawangan has led to
exacerbated exploitation of the natural resources, and destruction of
biodiversity habitat. Thus, the report states that this area has been chosen
as a monitoring area for the BMS.
One of the PAMB members said that the deforestation and farming
activities are done because of lack of monitoring from concerned
government agencies. The PAMB Chairman agreed to this and said that
the constant presence of the DENR may help solve the problem.
The Protected Area Superintendent said during the emergency
PAMB meeting (March 15, 2010), “developmental projects are killing the
park”, this she stated in response to the agenda of permits given by the
79
PAMB to NGOs, donors, and other entities for projects to be implemented
inside the park.
Availability of suppliers who give loans
Suppliers are available to give loans, making the lucrative
vegetable industry alluring to farmers.
When vegetable price is high, and continuous to be high for a time,
the farmers experience the feeling of need to expand the areas they are
farming, and more of the forestlands are opened-up. One of the farmers
stated that new gardens sprout after farmers sell their products at high
market price. This “tama” experience of the farmer moves him to open a
new area.
Manong Rudy (Personal Interview, 2009) relates that when price is
low, the supplier is always available to give credit in cash or in kind, and
provide rice subsidy until harvest time. All in all, the payment for
vegetables when bought also by the supplier is almost equal to the
farmer’s loan and the rice consumption. At times, even the hire of the
bulldozer is handled by the supplier.
Martina Panas relates that when the road from Poblacion to Ballay
opened, and the transport of vegetables to the Baguio market became
easier, prices started fluctuating erratically. There were times when she
80
wanted to cry when they transported cabbage to Baguio, only to be bought
at 0.50 cents a kilo and she had to pay 0.30 cents/kilo for the fare. This
meant that the payment were only enough to buy seeds for the next
planting. This also meant that the children will have nothing to eat, if she
will not go for credit. She relates that the suppliers were always there to
loan out farm inputs as seeds and fertilizer, and rice to tide them over until
the next harvest.
Manong Rudy relates that the roads which were opened by BCI in
1960 made transport of vegetables from Bashoy possible. Suppliers
started to come and made their offers. Most common that time was Mrs.
Nena Sadinto who is from stall number 387 at the Hangar Market in
Baguio City. She supplied most of the farmers in Mt. Pulag in the 1980s
and brings her vehicle to the area during harvest time (Personal Interview,
2009).
81
System and Process of Vegetable
Farm Expansion
The PAMB members described the transformation of the mossy
forest into a vegetable farm as highly mechanized. First, the trees are cut
using the chainsaw, then the ground is cleared using the bulldozer. In the
process, labor is hired from nearby barangays or municipalities, so this
can be completed in a matter of two days. In some cases, the area is
burned; trees are cut, cultivated and planted and or sold to interested
individuals.
However, the above operations are being done because of the
basic belief of the Kalanguya that the land belongs to them, and their
cultural practice of land inheritance and ownership.
The flowchart of the vegetable farm expansion was derived from
the testimonies and insights of the respondents as analyzed and
presented in Figure 5.
82
Land Ownership of the Kalanguya Tribe in Mt. Pulag
Anchored on Cultural Beliefs and Ancestral Claims
The Kalanguya has freedom to select an area for
kaingin inside their domain
Kaingin as source of livelihood
The Kaingin is called uma, planted with camote, gabi or legumes
The kiy-yaw-an and muyong are developed in support to the uma
Fruit and other trees are planted in the uma to indicate that the area has
already been operated by someone.
The uma, kiy-yaw-wan and muyong are inherited
by the child who marries (earlier generation)
The uma is planted with cash crops or vegetables
The kiy-yaw-wan remains as source of fuel wood and other raw materials
The muyong is protected as source of water for the uma, and household water
needs
Children marry and have their own families
The uma is subdivided to all the married children, and is sometimes
registered with the Municipal Assessor as Tax Declaration. The uma is
operated as a vegetable farm.
Clearing thru “slash and burn”
Highly mechanized clearing with the use of chainsaw,
bulldozer, backhoe, and slash and burn method
Trees are cut for timber with chainsaw
Leveling with the use of bulldozer and backhoe
Construction of a shack/farm house as part of
cleared lot identification
Each uma expands into the kiy-yaw-wan or the muyong, to meet the
needs of the new families.
Some of the newly opened areas are planted to vegetable crops by the
owners, while a few lots are sold to relatives or migrants from adjacent
municipalities or barangays.
Intensive Vegetable Farming continues
Figure 5. Flowchart of the system of vegetable farm expansion
based on the research (January 2010)
83
The uma is developed from the kaingin and is inherited by children
who marry, together with the kiy-yaw-wan and the muyong. Because the
uma becomes insufficient to feed a growing family, the farmer expands
into the kiy-yaw-wan and the muyong, which are actually part of the forest
that support the raw materials for the households, and water needs of the
uma and also the households.
When the uma expands into the forest, the clearing operation of
new areas starts with the use of fire like the ’slash and burn’ practice as
observed by Conklin
(1954) and Garrity (2001). Through a series of
clearing activities with the use of chainsaw, bulldozer, backhoe and
manual labor, the lands are prepared as a new area for vegetable farming.
After the trees are cut (Plates 4 and 5), bulldozers and backhoes
are hired, sometimes by the farmer, but often times by the supplier, to
clear and level-off the land.
One critical observation pointed out by the respondents is the need
to clear a new area which when done will follow the same process and so
the area becomes a vegetable farm. In some cases, local people just
clear the area and later on sell it to interested individuals for the purpose
of developing it as a productive and intensified vegetable farm.
84
Plate 4. Trees that may be a hundred years were cut at he Mt.
Pulag National Park, Tabeyo (2007)
Plate 5. Felled trees in Tabeyo are left to rot. (2007)
85
Within the pine forest, trees are cut and sawn to lumber with the
use of a chainsaw. In the mossy forest, the tree species are not suitable
for lumber, and therefore, the trees cut usually go to waste, except for
those that can be consumed as fuel wood, or sometimes used as fascines
along the border of the newly operated vegetable farm.
Plate 6. Trees cut and sawn to lumber with the use of the
chainsaw. Babadak, Bashoy (2003)
86
Plate 7. After felling the trees, the farm is cleared.
Tabeyo (2007)
Plate 8. The area is cleared slowly, creating patches that are
growing wider and wider. Tabeyo (2007)
87
In addition, during the operation activities, it was pointed out that
construction of a shack or a small farm structure is done to delineate that
the area is owned by an individual, and ready for vegetable farming. This
is usually observed at the slopes and mountain sides of the Mount Pulag
National Park.
Plate 9. A small shack is eventually constructed. Tabeyo (2007)
According to the Protected Area Office Report (July 2004),
abandoned pine lumbers were confiscated in Ballay within the pine forest.
The confiscated lumbers were never claimed.
In the same report, Mr. Samuel Geking, a Park Ranger, witnessed
the bulldozing and clearing of an area in Babadak, Bashoy. He submitted
an affidavit report to the CENRO Baguio City, for legal purposes.
88
Plate 10. After clearing a patch of the forest. Tabeyo (2007)
Plate 11. A cleared portion of the forest after the trees were
felled. Tabeyo (2007)
89
Moreover, as vegetable farm expansion continuous, heavy
equipment are becoming regular fixtures in the area. The use of highly
mechanized equipment makes the process easier and faster.
Local
people also participate in the operation of the machines as a source of
added income aside from the hired labor during clearing operations
especially during land preparation activities.
Plate 12. A backhoe parked, after clearing the forest in Tabeyo,
Ballay. (August 25, 2009)
This was confirmed by the results of the Multi-Agency Quick
Response Team Workshop, where the issues and concerns besetting Mt.
Pulag include the use of heavy equipment in the conversion of forests into
agricultural land.
90
Plate 13. Babadak, Bashoy, Clearing of bulldozed area, in
preparation to planting. DENR CENRO
Baguio Forest Protection Team (April 2007)
Plate 14. An area bulldozed and prepared for planting.
Tabeyo. (2007)
91
Plate 15. This farm was expanded manually, slowly into the
forest. Babadak, Bashoy. DENR CENRO Baguio
Forest Protection Team (April 2007)
Plate 16. A bulldozer photographed by the DENR Forest Protection
Team. Nobody in the area knows who owns the
equipment. Tabeyo, Ballay DENR CENRO Baguio
Forest Protection Team (June 2002)
92
It was also supported by DENR reports and photos, where
bulldozers were caught on site, without legal programs of work presented,
and without anybody admitting ownership of some of the equipment. Also,
these were the same machines used to clear the mossy forest that
created a new farm-to-market road traversing Barangays Tawangan and
Bashoy.
Plate 17. Tawangan Road Opening. CENRO Monitoring
Report (1994)
Through the continuous clearing operation in the area, bulldozing
and backhoe activities were recorded by the indigenous people, local
government units at the barangay and municipal levels, and the DENR.
Table 9 shows the bulldozing activities which affected the Mount Pulag
National Park protection and management initiatives.
93
Table 10: Bulldozing Activities at Mt. Pulag National Park
Date
Activity
DENR/LGU Action
1995
Bulldozing, Opening-up of LGU project, Environment
Ballay-Tawangan road.
Compliance Certificate not
complied with.
August 14,
2000
The Sanguniang Bayan of The bulldozing stopped, no
Kabayan
issued
a case filed in court.
Resolution
advising
a
certain Mr. Alfredo Luciap to
stop bulldozing activities at
Bashoy, Kabayan unless he
obtains
clearance
from
DENR or other concerned
agencies.
Mr.
Luciap
reasoned out that the
bulldozing was allegedly to
improve barangay roads
and private lots.
April 28, 2004
On-going bulldozing along - Filed three (3) cases of
Tawangan- Lusod area
violation of Section 68 & 69
of PD 705 as amended
involving illegal clearing
and bulldozing of forest
land. Two (2) of the cases
were however dismissed by
the
court
and
the
prosecutor.
Dispatched
written
warnings
to
suspected
upland farmers engaged in
illegal clearing;
-Allocated
2
hectares
contract reforestation at
94
Table 10.
Continued…
Eheb, Tinoc, Ifugao ,a
buffer zone area of Mt.
Pulag National Park to
serve as alternative source
of
livelihood
of
the
communities near the park;
June 2004
Bulldozers in position at
Bashoy in preparation for
the levelling of farmlands
and private roads
An emergency CDO and
Notice of Violation was
issued to Mr. Casio Paris,
owner of the bulldozer.
As early as August 14, 2000, the Sanguniang Bayan of Kabayan
issued a Resolution advising a certain Mr. Alfredo Luciap to stop
bulldozing activities at Bashoy, Kabayan. Unless, he obtains clearance
from DENR or other concerned agencies, he can continue operations.
However, he reasoned out that the bulldozing was allegedly to improve
barangay roads and private lots. This concern of bulldozers being brought
into the forests, particularly inside the National Park, was recognized by
the Quick Response Team which includes as one of their functions, to
recommend policy issuances to appropriate bodies covering restrictions of
entry or presence of heavy equipment, i.e. bulldozers, backhoes within
forest areas.
In relation to this, patrolling activities done by the Park Rangers
mentioned that the PASU apprehended people who were on the act of
95
opening-up new areas into the Park. However, when cases were filed,
most of the cases were dismissed since majority of the individuals were
only hired labor. Furthermore, other cases have been filed, but were also
dismissed since nobody from the community and even from the local
Police Force or the DENR, would testify.
As a consequence, the Quick Response Team considered this as
one of the major concerns why expansion continues. In view of this
concern, actions were done by the Team including the gathering and
collating of evidences for the proper investigation and prosecution of
violators.
The Effect of Policies and Regulations
on the Expansion of the Vegetable Farms
One of the major observations noted in the study was the
availability of supporting laws, policies, rules and regulations on the
protection, conservation and management of our natural resources.
However, as the study progressed, it was noted that these laws have
resulted to an advantage and disadvantage for those who are
implementing them.
The PAMB pointed out during the FGD that the expansion is
happening due to ignorance of the law, that the communities are not
96
aware that expansion into the National Park is illegal, coupled with the
laxity in implementation of laws. Furthermore, one said that this is due to
many and conflicting programs of the government.
During the logging operations of Benguet Corporation, Incorporated
(BCI) from1935 to 1988, forest protection was done jointly by rangers from
the DENR and BCI. Although the BCI was permitted by the government to
cut the trees during their logging operation, they did not allow the
community to do so. The community understood that cutting of trees and
clearing of the forest is prohibited.
In 1989, it was noted that there was no vegetable farming observed
in nearby areas of the national park even the massive operation of the
BCI. This proved that laws were in a way followed. However, over time,
the enforcement of the governing laws affected the area through the fast
expansion and encroachment in the area.
Manong Rudy relates that at one time, Ranger Cosileng from
DENR and Ranger Jose Laroco from BCI came upon his father working at
clearing an area with the use of a two-man-saw, which he plans to plant to
potatoes. The rangers (popularly known as ‘Montero’ those days),
apprehended and informed him that charges will be filed against him.
During the hearing in Bokod, he was advised by the judge to
surrender all his Tax Declarations as bail, of which he complied. This was
97
during the administration of then Mayor Maurillo Felipe from1988 to 1992.
He said that the Tax Declarations were never returned, but they continue
to pay the taxes and therefore believe that the lands are still legally theirs.
They did not know that Tax Declarations are not proof of ownership, but
are only issued for taxation purposes.
The Quick Response Team in a workshop in 2008 included in their
issues and concerns, the indiscriminate issuance of Tax Declarations
within forests and protected areas by the Municipal Assessors.
Mr. Carino, a farmer from Ballay explained that his vegetable farm
area was tax declared in Buguias and he has been paying his tax for forty
years. He believed that he has the right to till the land. When he was
informed that forestlands cannot be tax declared as provided by law, and
that Tax Declarations are not proof of ownership but only for taxation
purposes, he said that their municipality (LGU) and community recognizes
that if one has a Tax Declaration over a certain land, he /she is recognized
as the owner (Personal Interview 2009).
The Kabayan Municipal Assessor in 2009 stated: “Majority of the
lands tax declared within the National Park were done prior to the
proclamation of Mt. Pulag as a National Park. Only a very minimal area
was tax declared after the proclamation. And still most of the vegetable
farms remain as part of the park, untenured. However, although these
98
remain untenured for the farmers, they believe ownership through
ancestral claim. There are farmers who bought lands from relatives, but
this is still acceptable for those clans who have been there prior to the
proclamation. The worse scenario is when farmers from outside
municipalities buy lands which are untenured and are glaringly part of the
National Park, and are newly operated. These are the cases that DENR
should look into.”
The CENR Officer Edgardo Flor however, emphasized that the lots
bought as claimed by some farmers are not legally binding, since
forestlands cannot be sold or bought as stated by law (Personal Interview,
2009).
The Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) Mr. Gideon Ulban
stated that there was an agreement between the LGU, DENR and the
farmers in 2005 after a consultation made, to stop encroachment into the
forest, allowing them to continue farming the lots operated then. It was
agreed that there should be no more new operations. However, he says
that he regrets to see that this has not been followed, considering that it
was very beneficial to the farmers. He is hopeful that the protection of Mt.
Pulag will improve since the present Mayor’s advocacy is the protection of
the Park (Personal Interview, 2009).
99
The PAMB enumerated ways by which this problem may be solved.
Most of the members strongly stated that the problem can be solved
through the consolidated efforts of the government agencies, the LGU, the
community and other sectors. Three members said that massive
information, education and communication (IEC) activities by the different
government agencies will help educate the communities on government
programs, laws and policies, particularly concerning National Parks.
Another member said, strict enforcement of Forestry Laws and National
Park Regulations inside the Park will help prevent the expansion of the
vegetable farms.
The Delineation of the National Park boundary was a suggestion
given by majority of the members. They reasoned that delineating the
boundaries on the ground with the participation of the community, and
installing visible markers on the ground will deter the expansion of the
vegetable farms into the National Park.
The following photos show the condition of the Mount Pulag
National Park through the years. As noted, even with laws approved, the
area still continues to be affected by expansion and encroachment.
100
Plate 18. Tawangan in 1989, showing no Vegetable Farms in
this area. CENRO Baguio Monitoring Report. (1989)
Plate 19. Tawangan showing minimal vegetable farms in 1990
PAWCZMS BMS Report. (1990)
101
Plate 20. Teltelpok, Babadak, Bashoy in 1991 showing minimal
Vegetable Farms. CENRO Monitoring Report (1991)
Plate 21. Babadak, Bashoy showing clearings but not yet
developed into a vegetable farm. CENRO Monitoring
Report (1991)
102
Plate 22. The second growth forests in Babadak, Bashoy, being
replaced by the vegetable farms. DENR BMS Report.
(2004)
Over the years, vegetable farm expansion has been creating
problems for the local people and the government. Even with existing
laws and policies, the expansion still persists. The proclamation of the
Mount Pulag as a national park was believed to be a positive move by the
government on its protection and management. However, this further
created confusion and uncertainty with regards to the implementation of
existing and new laws on natural resource management within and around
Mount Pulag. Important events and activities in relation to policy
implementation affected the vegetable farm expansion and encroachment
positively and negatively on the part of the local people, local government
103
units and the DENR responsible for the implementation of the laws and
policies as shown in Table 4.
The laws, covering the Mt. Pulag National Park, particularly the
NIPAS Act of 1992, PD 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines and
the IPRA Law have been implemented by the DENR, the NCIP and Local
Government Units as mandated. However, with the above discussions,
the respondents testified that the laws were not effective in deterring the
expansion of the vegetable farms in the park because of leniency/laxity of
implementation and because of low or lack of knowledge of the law in the
communities.
104
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The foremost reason behind the expansion of vegetable farms in
the Mt. Pulag national Park is poverty among the communities residing
inside and adjacent to the Park. The situation is caused by the lack of
employment and livelihood activities in the area. Farming has always been
the only source of food and income for the indigenous peoples of the Park.
Now that their population is increasing, the vegetable farms are expanding
to meet their needs.
The land belongs to them because their ancestors owned it. The
indigenous peoples believe that the land, even if proclaimed as a National
Park, belongs to them by ancestral claim. The belief of ownership is
strengthened by their small knowledge and misconception about the IPRA
Law. The buy and selling of the land is contrary to the IPRA Law. The
Quick Response Team said in their report that the communities have a
wrong perception of the IPRA Law on land resource ownership.
The farmers from the adjacent municipality of Buguias who are
involved in vegetable farming and who have limited land to expand in their
municipality have bought lands from the indigenous peoples. These they
have converted into vegetable farms. The legality of the sale has not been
105
a concern of both the buyer and the seller. This is attributed to their limited
knowledge of the law.
Knowing that the area is inside the park does not prohibit/ stop the
indigenous peoples from expanding their vegetable farms and selling
portions of it.
That expanding their vegetable farms is necessary for economic
reasons. It is the only source of livelihood and they have to do it in order to
live, feed their family, and send their children to school.
The community believes that the government should provide an
alternative livelihood for them, and will not be amenable in case the
government decides to evict them from their farms.
The farmers are aware that the mossy forest will entail lesser farm
inputs as to fertilizer, and lesser water requirement, and therefore a
cheaper operation.
The construction of farm-to-market roads inside and adjacent to the
Park has facilitated the expansion of vegetable farms into the Park. The
most recent road opening along the Tinoc-Tawangan route has not
complied with the required process of undertaking a public consultation
nor the legal permitting. It is now used to convey vegetables from the
expanded vegetable farms and illegally cut lumber.
Ignorance and little knowledge of the law covering Protected Areas
106
and National Parks is one factor facilitating the expansion of the vegetable
farms. And because of this, the implementation of the law did not deter the
expansion of vegetable farms into the park. The expansion continues.
Conclusion
It is therefore concluded that the expansion of vegetable farms into
the Mt. Pulag National Park is influenced by three major factors namely;
the low income, below poverty situation and the lack of alternative
livelihood programs for the communities inside and adjacent to the park,
the ignorance of laws covering Protected Areas and National Parks, for
the indigenous communities and the lack of political will of the government
agencies and the LGU to implement policies and laws governing the Park.
Moreover, the vegetable farms are expanding into the Park, in a
manner
following
the
increase
in
population
of
the
indigenous
communities. The original hectareage of farms of the family doubles or
triples after the children got married and have their own families. Another
mode of expansion is the migration of farmers from adjacent municipalities
and provinces, after purchasing areas to be operated as new vegetable
farms.
Finally, it is concluded that even with the various programs and
protection activities of the DENR, other government agencies and the
107
LGU,
expansion
continues
which
is
attributed
to
laxity
in
the
implementation of laws and policies.
In this regard, the LGU must be aware that the continuous
encroachment of vegetable farms into the Park is creating problems
ecologically. Studies and documentations must be made, to officially
provide instructions, guide and directives.
Recommendations
The delineation, survey and demarcation of the boundary of the
National park on the ground should be a priority activity for the DENR and
the LGU. This activity was mentioned by all stakeholders as a solution to
the problem. The farmers themselves also stated that they will not
encroach into the Park if the markers will be visible on the ground. The
LGU also clamors that this activity has been discussed many times but
never materialized.
The conduct of a multiagency massive IEC that will address ignorance
of the law and the policies encompassing the Protected Areas and
National Parks and other environment concerns should be conducted.
Previous IEC activities conducted were not sufficient to provide necessary
information that will spur positive actions from the stakeholders. Thus
these should be done regularly, i.e. quarterly, and to target the different
108
stakeholders. It is further recommended that the DENR spearhead the
preparation of an IEC Plan for the Mt. Pulag National Park, in collaboration
with the different key stakeholders.
Municipal and barangay LGU ordinances should be localized and
customized to community concerns and needs. Particularly, policies for
the protection and sustainable management of the Park will be seriously
implemented by the LGU.
Coordination among LGU, GAs, and other key stakeholders in forest
protection activities is recommended. This shall include the community
and the farmers who shall be assigned certain responsibilities in forest
protection. The responsibilities may include apprehension of encroachers,
after the delineation and demarcation of the Park boundaries. This may
address the problem of the DENR where rangers are just too few to be
able to patrol the whole area of the Park. The farmers can be deputized as
Forest Protection Officers or Wildlife Enforcement Officers, who will have
the authority to apprehend violators of forestry laws or the NIPAS Act and
the Wildlife Act.
The survey and inventory of existing vegetable farms, inventory of
ownership, status, location, etc. is an activity that must be conducted the
soonest possible time. This activity will give a baseline data on the status
109
of the vegetable farms in the Park. The baseline information will serve as
guide for planning of programs and activities for the Park.
The DA to plan out programs on increasing production in existing
limited areas, versus expanding the area, vis-à-vis a comprehensive
agricultural program.
Livelihood and source of income for growing families has been one
factor repeatedly stated that contributes to the expansion of the vegetable
farms. Programs for livelihood activities by concerned government
agencies and the LGU should be planned out and implemented. As well, a
program on population control is recommended to help in the social as
well as economic situation of the communities within the Park.
It is recommended for the LGU to facilitate and coordinate social
services for the communities i.e. health and birth control, education,
scholarships, livelihood.
It is highly recommended that the DENR, DOT and LGU collaborate
for the implementation of the Mt. Pulag Ecotourism Development Plan as
alternative livelihood. Other aspects of ecotourism income generating
projects are recommended for assessment by the same institutions.
Participatory Planning for the key stakeholders be conducted, to
review the Mt. Pulag General Management Plan, and incorporate
110
appropriate plans that will address the pressing issues of the Park,
particularly the expansion of the vegetable farms.
Policy issuances/ local ordinances from the LGU on the restriction
of entry, and/ or the presence of heavy equipment in the forest areas
should be looked into.
Policy issuance by LGUs on the issuance of Tax Declaration within
the Park and adjacent forestlands is a very critical aspect that should be
assessed by a committee or a task force.
With the results of this study, the DENR can objectively make
decisions that are geared towards the sustainable management of the
National Park, and can address the present problems therein, objectively.
This study will present a venue for the DENR to develop a stronger
partnership with the local stakeholders of the park.
The result of the study will serve as reference for the Local
Government Unit for planning and policy formulation concerns. The actual
result of the study will serve as a guide for them to come up with
appropriate decisions and suitable plans for the communities within the
park.
The LGU is aware that the continuous encroachment of vegetable
farms into the Park is creating problems ecologically. However, studies
and documentations have to be made, to officially provide them with
111
official and acceptable references.
This study will serve as a venue for the DENR and the local
stakeholders to discuss and plan-out actions to address the sustainability
of the park.
112
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Figure 6: Recommended Activities How to Mitigate the Expansion
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113
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Figure 7. Modeling of Ecological Analysis for Sustainable
Development of Indigenous Peoples Communities.
(Pawid, L.I. and Aquino, M.U., 2010)
114
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Wildlife, and Coastal Zone Management Service, DENR – CAR,
Baguio City
BUOT, JR., I.E. and OKITSU, S. 1998. Vertical Distribution and Structure
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Forest of
Mt.
Pulog, Cordillera Is., Philippines. Vegetation Science 15. p19
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PLAN
(CLUP)
MUNICIPALITY OF KABAYAN, BENGUET
2003-2012.
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115
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Administrative Region.
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THE TRIBOUNDARY WATERSHED AREAS OF BENGUET, I
FUGAO AND MT. PROVINCE, WORKSHOP OUTPUT. 2007.
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117
Appendix A
Republic of the Philippines
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet
August 02, 2009
HON. FAUSTINO AQUISAN
Municipal Mayor
Kabayan, Benguet
Dear Sir:
Greetings!
The undersigned is conducting a research entitled “An Assessment
of the Expansion of Vegetable Farms in the Mt. Pulag National Park” in
partial fulfilment of her studies for masteral degree in Community
Development, at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. The
result of the study will serve as future guide for the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, the Local Government Units and
other government and private institutions for the sustainable planning and
management of the Mount Pulag National Park.
It is in this regard that I humbly request your good office to allow me
to conduct one-on-one interviews with you and your staff, particularly the
Assessor, and the Municipal Planning and Development Officer.
Thank you and I look forward to your favorable action to my
request.
Very truly yours,
(Sgd.)LINDA CLAIRE I. PAWID
Researcher
118
Appendix B
December 14, 2009
DIR. REGIDOR M. DE LEON
Regional Executive Director
/Chairman, PAMB
DENR – CAR, Baguio City
Dear Dir. DE LEON:
Holiday Greetings!
I am presently completing my Masters degree in Community Development
at the Open University of the Benguet State University and presently
undertaking my Thesis Study entitled, “The Vegetable Farms Inside the
Mt. Pulag National Park, An Assessment”.
The study aims to assess the factors that influence the expansion of
vegetable farms in the Mt. Pulag National Park. When these are
documented, the DENR, particularly DENR-CAR will then have
information and data that will serve as basis for planning and policy
adjustments.
In this connection, may I be allowed to conduct a Focused Group
Discussion with the PAMB during their regular meeting on December 17,
2009. The information that will be gathered from the PAMB will hopefully
validate the data already gathered from the community.
Thank you so much and I look forward to your support.
Very truly yours,
(Sgd.)LINDA CLAIRE I. PAWID
EMS, PAWCZMS, DENR – CAR
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Appendix C
Republic of the Philippines
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet
August 02, 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Respondent:
Greetings!
The undersigned is currently enrolled at the Open University of the
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet and is conducting a
research entitled “An Assessment of the Expansion of Vegetable Farms in
the Mt. Pulag National Park” in partial fulfilment of her studies for a
masteral degree in Community Development. The result of the study will
serve as future guide for the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, the Local Government Units and other government and
private institutions for the sustainable planning and management of the
Mount Pulag National Park.
As one of the stakeholders of Mt. Pulag National Park, and being
involved in its management and protection, I would like to solicit your
observations and views regarding the expansion of vegetable farms in the
park. I will inform your good office of the schedule for your interview.
Thank you and I look forward to a fruitful interview with you.
Very truly yours,
(Sgd.)LINDA CLAIRE I. PAWID
Researcher
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Appendix D
INTERVIEW GUIDE QUESTIONS
A. Basic Questions
1. How long have you been staying in Kabayan?
2. Do you live inside the Mt. Pulag National Park?
3. Do you have a vegetable farm?
If yes, how many lots?
How wide is your vegetable farm? _____ hectares
Where is it located?
How did you acquire this farm?
Is it Tax Declared? When was it Tax Declared?
Is it covered with other Land Tenures? ____ISF, CSC ___ CBFMA
____CLOA ____ Special Land Use
4. How long have you been farming the area? _____Years
5. What benefits do you get from the vegetable farm?
6. Are you aware that opening-up a vegetable farm within the area of
the Mt. Pulag National Park is illegal?
7. If yes, why did you open a vegetable farm anyway?
8. What are the reasons why the vegetable farms keep increasing?
9. What is your barangay / community doing to minimize expansion of
vegetable
farms into the park?
10. Do you have recommendations/ suggestions on how to address
this problem of vegetable expansion in the Park?
B. Other Questions (For FGD, LGU, DENR and other Government
Agencies)
1. Are you aware that there are vegetable farms inside the Mt. Pulag
National Park?
2. What can you say about this?
3. How is the expansion being done?
4. What is being done by your office/agency to help address this
problem?
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
The author comes from Sagada, Mt. Province, born to parents:
Andres S. Inso and Mary A. Kodat. Born on August 26, 1966, she is the
fourth among six children.
She finished her elementary education at Sagada Central School
and secondary education at St. Mary’s School, both schools located in
Sagada, Mt. Province. She completed the degrees Bachelor of Science in
Biology at St. Louis University, Baguio City (1987) thru the National
Indigenous Scholarship Grant Program (NISGP) of the government, and
Bachelor of Science in Education at the Baguio Central University (1990).
She is married to Harland Gary B. Pawid of La Trinidad, Benguet
and they are blessed with four children: Rhys Yvan Dane (1993), Kalehla
Nikole (1994), Harland Zachary (1996) and Mya Dione (1999).
She was hired by the US Government as a teacher at the Philippine
Refugee Camp in Morong, Bataan (1991-1992), teaching English as a
Second Language and Work Orientation modules to Vietnamese
Refugees who were in transit from Vietnam to their permanent homes in
the United States.
She was employed with the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR – CAR) as
Community Development Officer of the Forest Management Service from
1994 to 2002 and as Ecosystems Management Specialist of the Protected
Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service (PAWCZMS) from
2003 to present.
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She had the opportunity to attend the preparatory conference to the
World Summit on Sustainable Development upon the invitation of the
United Nations held at Bali, Indonesia with special focus on Indigenous
Peoples and Gender and Development in Forestry (2002).
Thru a fellowship granted by the United Nations Environmental
Program (UNEP) in coordination with the Federal Republic of Germany,
she was able to attend a Training on Biodiversity Conservation in
Dresden, Germany (2007).
The author realized the need to further her education at the
Benguet State University, to be more effective in her job. She chose
Community Development because her job brings her to communities with
problems on environmental protection and resources management.
She believes that aspirations are attained thru our will and efforts
and most especially, with the Lord’s guidance.
LINDA CLAIRE INSO-PAWID